As part of our real women modelling local fashion series,   SARAH HORGAN chats with Trish Gallagher — wife of presidential candidate Sean Gallagher — as she returns to her home town of Kanturk

When the Evening Echo proposed the idea for a photo shoot involving Trish, the boutiques in Kanturk were more than obliging.
Our first port of call was Ealu boutique with  the beauty team. “We get a lot of enquiries about the dresses Trish bought here. If we don’t have it in stock,  customers will ask for something similar,” said Mary, the owner of Ealu.
“It was invaluable publicity for Kanturk. She has put the town on the map and all the locals are extremely proud of her.”
Trish says: “It was very flattering to receive such compliments regarding my outfits from old neighbours, and I was so proud to be able to tell others my fashion finds were from Kanturk.
“While campaigning with Sean, I lived in a bubble. It was often very difficult to see beyond that bubble so it was quite flattering to learn that my outfits had made some small impact.
“I know a lot of old friends must have been surprised considering that the whole of my teenage years was one big fashion faux pas!
“Back then, a lot of the boutiques in the area didn’t exist so I really didn’t have a clue about fashion. At the time I loved Doc Martens coupled with stonewashed jeans, the baggier the better.”
Trish cringes as she recalls with excruciating clarity her previous questionable tastes in clothing.

Trish admits that even to this day she still demonstrates a certain degree of stubbornness when it comes to what she wears.
“I have this pair of stonewashed jeans that Sean despises,” laughs Trish.
“He thinks they’re truly hideous but I refuse to get rid of them. I really admire his honesty. He consistently gives me his unbiased opinion which I really
appreciate. In turn, I always tell him the truth as well.”

En route to the photo shoot location, Assolas House in Kanturk, Trish told us her style preferences.
“I love clean lines. During the run up to the election, I always bought occasion dresses in a rush and found you really can’t go wrong with a structured frock. I think it was the allure of Kate Middleton’s lady-like style that got me into dresses.”
When it comes to make-up, Trish also takes the smart woman’s approach, keeping it minimal and natural.
As we reach the end of the photo shoot, Trish remains in top form despite the dispiriting weather. To conclude the interview she offers readers advice on how to dress to impress.
“Always dress for your shape. If trends don’t suit your silhouette, dismiss them in favour of more flattering styles. If I’ve learned just one thing from the run up to the election — fashion-wise that is — it’s that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own personal taste in favour of following the crowd.”
Mrs Gallagher will always be the first lady of fashion in Kanturk.

See tonight’s WOW! for the full interview