Cork exhibitor’s cow declared Irish champion for second year at Cavan
Dalevalley Lulu, owned by Sean Murphy from Waterfall, was chosen for the prestigious title from a final line-up of quality cows.
It was his second time taking the Diageo Baileys’ Irish Champion Cow award back to Cork with the same animal.
The judge Brian Miller, from Somerset, said the winning cow’s overall strength stood out from all the rest.
Some 700 cows from every corner of Ireland have participated in the competition since it was first held at Virginia Show 31 years ago.
This was revealed by Breffini O’Reilly, quality director, Diageo Ireland, who said the title has been won over that period by breeders from all four provinces.
Mr O’Reilly said preparing a cow for a competition of this calibre takes tremendous commitment and dedication.
The results of that hard work and the passion of breeders for excellence were to be seen in the cattle on show yesterday
Mr O’Reilly paid tribute to Baileys cream supplier, Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, for its partnership.
“That long standing relationship is testament to the successful supply chain partnership between our two companies,” he said.
Mr O’Reilly said the common ground between dairy farmers, producers, processors and the Virginia Show Committee is Baileys Irish Cream,
The brand had come a long way since the competition started in 1983 and was one of the star performers in Diageo’s most recent set of results.
“The spirit of innovation that gave birth to Baileys nearly 40 years ago is what has been driving it forward again this year,” he said.
Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Minister Heather Humphreys presented the awards to the winners.
