The Youghal Greyhound Track played host to a most glamorous and unique evening, the likes of which has never before been seen by anybody in Youghal, and an evening which delighted every punter who was lucky enough to be in Youghal Greyhound Track on the night.
Denise FitzGerald Reports – Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Anne Power, RIP, is known the length and breadth of every Greyhound Track in Ireland for her service to Bord na gCon for many years.   Her efficiency, knowledge and courtesy were her trademarks for 48years of service to Youghal Greyhound Track, and she will long be remembered by many.
Anne’s daughter, Finola Collins, who is now carrying on her mother’s work in Youghal Track, organised a Best Dressed Lady night in memory of the late Anne, on the occasion of her first Anniversary and the event also coincided with the running of the Hondo Black Southern Oak Stake which, coincidentally, is an all lady dog race.   Anne Power herself was a marvellous organiser, and her talents have most certainly been passed on to her family as another daughter of Anne’s, Patricia Kearney, was one of the Judges on the evening.
The planning of the event by Finola was a great credit to her, as nothing was left undone in her efforts to honour her Mother.   Anne was known far and wide for her great love of glamour and style and there is no doubt about it that if Anne were alive on Saturday night last, she would most certainly have been either the Senior Judge on the night or the outright winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition.
The night commenced at 8pm with the first race of the evening.  The entire Greyhound Track was like Royal Ascot as lady after lady arrived in their very best finery and were delighted to strut their stuff.  There were tall and small, young and old, thin and not so thin ladies all with one thing in common – their style.   There were delightful outfits, hats, capes, matching handbags, the highest heels, and the most wonderful sparkling jewellery and all in the most amazing range of gorgeous colours.   A Red Carpet was laid, the Champagne flowed, the strawberries were floating in proper champagne glasses, and the fresh flowers were everywhere.
Karen Fitzpatrick, well known model, judged with Patricia and they agreed that the decision was very difficult.  However, the winner was finally announced just before the commencement of the Hondo Black Southern Oak which was after the 8th race of the meeting, and to the delight of all local lady, Sharon Murphy, was announced as the Best Dressed Lady.  Sharon received a cheque in the amount of €300, a beautifully inscribed Cut Glass Vase and a huge bouquet of flowers.   The Judges also received bouquets for their most difficult task and all the ladies present were entered into a free raffle for beautiful prizes, all of which were donated by the business people of Youghal.

This event was a huge success.  The organisation, thought and effort which went into it was equalled only by the tremendous turnout of ladies anxious to remember Anne Power and her love of style, and Anne must surely have been looking down from above, nodding her approval.
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