Europe’s finest cows for Millstreet
But the prestige and added cow value for a breeder who does well at the show outweighs the prize money, especially after a spectacular Irish triumph at the European championships in Brussels in February.
Kevin Dillon, chief executive, Irish Holstein Friesian Association, said he had been convinced for many years the best breeds in Ireland would compare favourably with the best from other countries. This was proven when 10 Irish cows competed in the European championships.
“Expectations were high but the results surpassed our wildest dreams. We had three animals in two classes and they came first, second and third in both classes. In fact, all of the 10 cows from Ireland were placed in the top three in their class, winning three classes,” he said.
The senior and overall supreme champion was Peter Kingston’s Quintana Melissa Grand, last years national dairy show champion. She then joined Jim Sinnott’s Ballyboy Juror Carmen, Patrick and Derek Frawley’s Croagh Susie Mist 2 and Brochan Cocoman’s Kilwarden Storm Vixan to win the coveted inter-country group for Ireland.
That sets the scene for tomorrow’s national show in Millstreet, which includes 17 classes. The event is now one of the leading shows in Europe.
Finalists in the Irish Examiner Farming supreme championship line-up will vie for a prize of €1,000, a reserve champion’s prize of €500, and the exhibitor bred champion’s prize of €500.
