Kildare man wins best dressed title at Punchestown

Ireland’s most prestigious style competition, The Bollinger Best Dressed grand finale took place at Punchestown this afternoon for the stylish ladies out there while a local man claimed the men's title.

Longford woman Oniesa Owens was crowned the 2026 Bollinger Best Dressed Lady at the Punchestown Festival today. Her prize, an exclusive money can’t buy trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate. Her travel companion already confirmed! Oniesa will be bringing her twin sister Aishling on this trip of a lifetime.

Wearing a very chic and elegant look, her navy Ter et Bantine fur effect coat and top were purchased from Fabiani in Longford last year for a wedding. She teamed them with navy barrel leg trousers by Roisin Linnane. Her hat by Wendy Louise was borrowed for the day and her striking red heels are by Alaia and classic Chanel bag were her own.

An emotional winner, Oniesa Owens commented “It just feels amazing. I love fashion, I love style, it goes back generations to my own grandmother in Country Leitrim, I’m just so delighted!” 

Oniesa has won the ‘money can’t buy’ trip for 2 to the Bollinger Estate, a prize she is set to share with her identical twin sister Aishling, who also loves fashion. 

Their prize includes flights to Paris, a luxury stay at five star hotel, Michelin Star dining, private chauffeur, an exclusive by invitation experience at Champagne Bollinger including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region Reims, plus a year’s supply of Bollinger.

Head judge Jess Colivet, described Oniesa’s winning look, she said “It was just an outstanding look from top to toe, completely polished, very curated, effortlessly elegant and very chic. She cleverly brought in that pop of red shoe into the look complemented by a gorgeous red lip, she borrowed the hat and she was very appropriate for racing. We just loved her energy, you could tell she was so comfortable and it was a unanimous decision.” 

Not be forgotten the men, thanks to Louis Copeland who sponsored a prize for the Best Dressed Man today also. 

Local man, Daire Cullen won wearing a beautiful Tuscany green suit by Suits Supply, a Kennedy McSharry hat, Mr. Jenks pocket square, a tie by Ferragamo and shoes from Churches. Daire said “I’m absolutely over the moon, delighted, humbled and proud. My wife was actually a finalist here on Wednesday, so I’m thrilled to be keeping up with the family! We live locally and have been coming to Punchestown religiously for the last 10 years, we wouldn’t miss it!” 

The Punchestown Festival continues tomorrow with gates open from 12 noon and the first race of a seven race card starts at 2.30pm. 

Typically, a very busy yet more casual raceday experience, it’s Family Day at the County Kildare venue. Offering top class racing, a jam-packed off track entertainment programme, the crowning of this seasons National Hunt Champions and the annual Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race, there is plenty to look forward to. 

All children under 14 go free when accompanied by an adult, for all details and tickets visit punchestown.com.