ANNAGHMORE FITZ ATLEE EX96 CLAIMS TOP TITLE IN DAIRY CONTEST SPONSORED BY DIAGEO AND TIRLÁN

Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, a 6-year-old Holstein Friesian cow jointly owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Co Wexford and Joel and Clive Richardson from Co Armagh, has been crowned the 2025 Diageo Baileys® Irish Champion Dairy Cow. The same cow also was awarded ‘Best Exhibitor Bred’ in the competition. This year’s winning breeders were presented with a cheque for €3,000 and the prestigious Virginia Milk Products Cup by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., alongside representatives from Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier, Tirlán at the 82nd Virginia Show in Co. Cavan. 

In congratulating the winner, Minister Heydon said: “I am delighted to be here today to present this prestigious award. The standard of dairy cows on show at this event is a tribute to the dedication of all those involved in the sector. I congratulate all our competitors on what has been a truly fantastic competition, which once again showcases why Ireland’s dairy industry is so highly rated by global consumers. I also acknowledge both Diageo and Tirlán for their continued support of this annual competition and their support to the Irish grass-fed dairy sector. 

"The continued success of Irish Cream, our all-island geographical indication, is a testament to the hard work of all those involved in the sector. I wish you all every success in the continued delivery of quality Irish food products, both domestically and around the world.”

The Diageo Baileys Cow competition continues to showcase Ireland’s finest dairy breeding, with strength, body conformation, and proven milk production capability forming the foundation for the judges’ decisions which this year was Giuseppe Beltramino from Italy.

Hallow Denver Twizzle, owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Co Wexford was declared Reserve Champion. 

The Honourable Mention went to Greenlea Hurricane Isa, from County Monaghan. 

Greenlea Hurricane Isa owned by the Greenan family also took home the Heifer-in-Milk Champion title.

Special category winners included:

Best EBI Award – Evergrange Conan Missy P from Co Wicklow owned by George Beattie.

Best Protein Award – Lumville M Danoise from Co Armagh owned by Clive and Joel Richardson of Annaghmore Holsteins.

Reflecting on the day’s achievements, Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland, said:

“Today we celebrated the very best of Irish dairy breeding. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion that goes into taking part in this competition. The standard of entries this year was exceptional and we’re proud to stand alongside our partners at Tirlán in recognising the Holstein Friesian dairy farming community for their commitment to breeding excellence.”

Speaking at the event, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said:

“Competitions like this continue to highlight the commitment of our farming community to excellence in breeding, sustainability, and animal welfare standards. The 2025 Virginia Show once again brings to the fore the very best of Irish agriculture — a cornerstone of our rural economy. Family farms remain the backbone of rural Ireland, and we are proud to support both the Virginia Show and the wider rural community.”