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THE June bank holiday is just gone; and we haven’t seen a ray of sun.
Usually, this is where things begin to get very depressing in the town square. I normally do not hold much faith in the regular Irish citizen to remain upbeat and positive, but on this occasion, I was pleasantly surprised.
I attended Listowel Races Ladies Day, and after undergoing many outfit changes myself to tackle the weather that I was facing outside; I was worried. Last year, I was greeted by blue skies and stilettos on the race course.
I thought that even the notion of style would be blown out the window (pun intended). I was picturing something like duffel coats and jeans; and the most stylish hat maybe being a baseball cap.
Once again, I didn’t have enough faith in the Irish people.
For judges, Marietta Doran and Mary O’Donnell, there was no problem with finding an array of stylish women on the course. There was probably too many. Because despite the weather (which resembles something from January rather than June), people still made a huge effort to look stylish.
People decided not to abandon the promise of a fun day out, and instead decided to look to the positives of it all. They decided that the Irish weather wasn’t going to stop them putting on that outfit that they spent the last month putting together.
The Irish may not always be known for positivity, but they are definitely known for perseverance. Maybe on this occasion, we can be known for both.
So congratulations to all of those that trekked out in their finest gear despite the bone-shaking conditions. Congratulations to the winner of Ladies Day, Caroline O’Sullivan, and congratulations to everyone involved in Listowel Races for giving the Irish a better name for themselves.
And if the weather continues on like this (which I am not 100% keen on, if I’m honest); I think that a little bit more of this newlyfound Irish positivity wouldn’t be the most awful thing in the world.
Actually when I think of it, I have already brought my summer wardrobe, so as much as I love all of these positive vibes, a few sun rays wouldn’t hurt.
Follow Zoë O’Connor on Twitter on @Zobo2402
