Could Kilkenny Holstein Friesian become the 2026 Diageo Baileys Cow?
The countdown is on for Holstein Friesian breeders to secure their place at one of Ireland’s most prestigious dairy livestock competitions - the €13,000 Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow Competition, sponsored by Diageo, makers of Baileys Irish Cream, and its cream supplier Tirlán.
Entries close on Wednesday, 12 August, with breeders urged not to miss the opportunity to represent their county in the national judging at the Virginia Show, Co. Cavan.
An all-island event, the competition attracts the very best of the pedigree Holstein Friesian breed in the land. Winning the coveted Baileys title is recognised as one of the highest honours in Irish dairy breeding and provides national recognition for both breeder and herd.
The competition recognises cows that combine exceptional dairy conformation with proven milk production performance, rewarding generations of breeding expertise and careful herd management.
The breeder of the overall Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow will receive €3,000, from an overall prize fund of €13,000. The remainder will be spread across several categories including Heifer in Milk, Junior Cow, Best Exhibitor Bred, Best Protein and Best Economic Breeding Index (EBI).
The competition has been a fixture of the Irish agricultural show calendar for more than four decades, showcasing the continual improvement in Irish dairy genetics while celebrating the family farms that underpin Ireland's internationally recognised dairy sector.
Previous champions have originated from the country’s most admired herds, reflecting the competition’s reputation as the pinnacle of dairy showing.
Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo Ireland, said: “With the fresh cream used in Baileys sourced through Tirlán’s Virginia facility, the Virginia Show provides the perfect setting to celebrate the exceptional quality of Ireland’s dairy industry.
The Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow honours the passion, skill and commitment of dairy farming. We look forward to welcoming breeders and visitors for another outstanding celebration of Irish dairy excellence.”
Carol Power, Key Account Manager, Tirlán, added: “We are delighted to continue our support for this competition in partnership with our customer Diageo. We wish every competitor the very best of luck.”
Last year’s competition saw another exceptional standard of competition, underlining the continued strength of Irish Holstein Friesian breeding and the international reputation of Ireland's grass-based dairy production.
The Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow title was won by Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, jointly owned by Philip and Linda Jones of Co. Wexford and Joel and Clive Richardson of Armagh.