Armagh and Wexford breeders jointly claim top title at ‘The Baileys’
The 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy cow is Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 at the 82nd Virginia Show. Minister for Agriculture Martin Hayden presents the Virginia Milk Products Cup to joint owners Philip and Linda Jones from Co Wexford and Clive Richardson and Joel Richardson from Co Armagh, with sponsors, John Murphy, Chairperson Tírlan and Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director Diageo Ireland. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke
Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 has been crowned the 2025 Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow.
The six-year-old Holstein Friesian co-owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Co Wexford and Joel and Clive Richardson from Co Armagh was also awarded ‘Best Exhibitor Bred Cow’ 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, Martin Heydon, alongside representatives from Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier, Tirlán, at the 82nd Virginia Show in Co. Cavan.
Congratulating the winners, 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 of 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 strives to continue to showcase Ireland’s finest dairy breeding, with strength, body conformation, and proven milk production capability forming the foundation for the judges’ decisions. This year, the judge was Giuseppe Beltramino from Italy.
Hallow Denver Twizzle, also owned by Philip and Linda Jones was declared Reserve Champion. The Honourable Mention went to Greenlea Hurricane Isa, owned by the Greenan family from Co Monaghan. The Greenan family also took home the Heifer-in-Milk Champion title thanks to Greenlea Hurricane Isa.
There were also prizes won in the special categories 'Best EBI' and 'Best protein'. ‘Best EBI’ was won by Evergrange Conan Missy P from Co Wicklow, owned by George Beattie.
‘Best Protein’ was scooped up by Lumville M Danoise from Co Armagh, owned by Clive and Joel Richardson of Annaghmore Holsteins.
Reflecting on the day’s achievements, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland, Shane Kelly, 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.”
