Westmeath Style Awards 2017

Athlone florists A Room in Bloom scooped the top prize, Overall Excellence in Style Award, at the third annual Westmeath Style Awards in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel on Friday night.

In a fun night of glamour, glitz and no little style, close on 300 people representing the local health, fashion and beauty industries and sponsors gathered at the beautiful Athlone venue.

The event is organised by Westmeath Independent and Westmeath Examiner and the newspapers' group sales manager Padraic Martin opened proceedings, by praising the input of all the event's sponsors and in particular main sponsors Specsavers in Athlone and Mullingar.

He outlined how important it was to celebrate the thriving local retail and service sector.

Stating that there were 30 nominees in the ten categories up for grabs on the night, Mr Martin said there was no shortage of worthy winners in each of the categories.

Having won the category award for Best in Bridal, Lorna Stuart Trainor of A Room in Bloom was overwhelmed to be selected for the overall award.

“I genuinely have to say I am completely shocked.”

Speaking on stage, Lorna explained she had moved back to Athlone six years ago and established her business in the town.

“I know retail has its challenges but I absolutely love it and I couldn't imagine doing anything else,” she told host Anna Daly from TV3's Ireland AM.

“I get to play with pretty things every day,” she joked.

The winner of the coveted Best Dressed competition was Angelica De Barra from Mullingar accessories outlet Jasmine.

She brought home a €350 voucher from Shaws.

The genial Anna Daly was full of praise for both the local retail sector and the style on display on the night.

The large gathering also contributed generously to the chosen charity on the night, St Therese's Children's Ward in Portiuncula, with €1,290 raised on the night.