Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Competition Open for Entries
Tirlán, in partnership with Diageo Ireland, has announced the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition to the Virginia Show on 19th August 2026. Celebrating the excellence of Ireland's Holstein Friesian dairy herds, the competition showcases the quality behind Baileys’ signature ingredient - Irish dairy cream.
Attending its launch at the Diageo Baileys site in Dublin, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., praised the long-running competition as a living demonstration of the connection between Ireland's world-class dairy farming and one of the country's most iconic brands.
Launching the competition, Minister Heydon said, “It’s an honour to officially launch the 2026 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow competition – a proud celebration of the excellence, care and commitment that define Irish dairy farming at its very best. This competition is a celebration of the Irish provenance of Baileys and the skill of Irish Holstein Friesian dairy breeders and their families.
Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo Ireland, commented, “The Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition is one of the most tangible expressions of Baileys’ Irish credentials. The cream that goes into every bottle starts with exceptional breeding, careful herd management and a deep pride in craft - qualities that this competition celebrates. Diageo looks forward to welcoming Ireland’s top Holstein Friesian breeders to the Virginia Show in August and to crowning our 2026 Diageo Baileys Champion.”
Carol Power, Senior Sales Manager at Tirlán, said, “We're proud, alongside Diageo, to put the spotlight on dairy breeding excellence through this unique event. and above all, the people behind it. The dedication of breeders and their families, many of whom have worked towards a goal of winning ‘the Baileys’ across multiple generations, is truly remarkable. On behalf of Tirlán I wish all the entrants every success."
Reflecting Baileys’ all-island supply footprint, entry to the Diageo Baileys Cow is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI. The closing date for entries is 12th August 2026.
The competition’s top prize, Diageo Baileys Champion, comes with a cash reward of €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup. The breeders of Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive €1,500 and €800 respectively.
Additionally, the event will feature numerous other category prizes, including Junior Cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of €1,550. The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category will also offer €1,550, with €750 awarded to the first-place winner.
Breeders are encouraged to submit their entries online at https://www.virginiashow.com/baileys-cow or contact Patrick Gaynor at 087-2898707. The dairy community can also stay updated by following Baileys-Champion-Dairy-Cow on Facebook.