This year’s Diageo Baileys Cow was an outstanding success for Cork breeders. The overall 2026 Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow title went to Coolroehouse Abbott Ann, owned by Paul Murphy and Emma Behan of Hillholm Holsteins in Co Cork. Meanwhile Willsbro Lambda Galys Vray 46, owned by John and Bryan O’Connor of Kanturk Co Cork, was named Best Junior Cow. The brothers also won Best EBI with their cow Cedarmore Lambda Bazooka. The Best EBI Award recognises the cow with the strongest Economic Breeding Index among the competition entries. It highlights how generations of breeding knowledge and experience are now complemented by sophisticated genetic information, helping breeders make informed decisions about herd replacements and achieve sustainable genetic progress over generations.
Aliann Pepper Lila Z, owned by Alan and Leanne Paul of Co Londonderry, was named Reserve Champion, while Annaghmore Rager KD Jackie, owned by Clive and Joel Richardson of Co Armagh, received the Honourable Mention.
Speaking at the event, the Irish Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley T.D., said: “The Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow Competition is a wonderful showcase of the quality, expertise and commitment of dairy farmers and breeders that underpin the dairy sector. It is fitting that this all-island competition brings together the best breeders from both North and South to celebrate the very best of dairy breeding. The exceptional standard of animals here today reflects generations of breeding knowledge and skilled stockmanship across this island, complemented by ongoing advances in herd genetics and innovative technologies. I congratulate this year’s Champion and all the breeders and exhibitors whose passion and dedication have made this competition such a success over the past five decades.”
Other special category winners included: Best Heifer in Milk and Best Exhibitor Bred Cow – Annaghmore Rager KD Jackie, Clive and Joel Richardson, Co Armagh. Best Protein Award – Aliann Pepper Lila Z, Alan and Leanne Paul, Co Londonderry.
The competition celebrates breeding excellence by bringing together leading Holstein Friesian breeders from across the island of Ireland, showcasing generations of family farming expertise alongside the latest advancements in dairy genetics.
The all-island appeal of the competition is reflected in the breadth of breeders who travel to Virginia to compete, with Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland entrants coming together in pursuit of the same goal – to show cows that combine outstanding type and conformation with the production, health, fertility and functional characteristics required of the modern dairy cow. The achievement of winning the ‘Baileys’ title is the culmination of sustained hard work and a passion for dairy cattle.
This year’s judging was entrusted to Marcel Egli of Switzerland, who has been an official Swiss Herdbook judge since 2017 and has judged extensively at major dairy shows internationally.
Commenting on his choice of Champion, Marcel Egli said: “The standard at the show today was exceptional – but when this Cork cow walked into the ring, it was game over for me. Coolroehouse Abbott Ann is my kind of stylish cow.”
Robert Murphy, Head of Baileys Operations at Diageo, said: “The exceptional standard of cows we have seen here at Virginia is testament to the commitment, care and pride of dairy breeders across the island of Ireland. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tirlán in celebrating that excellence.”
Ger O’Brien, Tirlán Chairperson, said: “What we saw in the ring today reflects both the heritage and the remarkable progress being made in dairy genetics. Tirlán is proud to stand alongside Diageo in recognising that commitment and celebrating the breeders and their families who are driving dairy farming on forward.”
