Cork cow claims coveted Baileys dairy title
2026 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow, Coolroehouse Abbott Ann, exhibited by Paul Murphy and Emma Behan. Co Cork. Picture: Maria Kelly
Co Cork exhibitors Paul Murphy and Emma Behan have claimed one of Irish dairy showing's most coveted titles, with Coolroehouse Abbott Ann named the 2026 Diageo Baileys All-Ireland Champion Dairy Cow.
The Banteer cow, bred by the Forrest family from the same Co Cork parish as its current owners, won the €3,000 championship at the Virginia Show after coming out on top against Holstein Friesian entries from across the island.
This year’s judge was Marcel Egli of Switzerland, an official Swiss Herdbook judge since 2017 who has officiated at several major dairy shows around the world.
Commenting on his choice of champion, he said: “The standard at the show today was exceptional - but when this Cork cow walked into the ring, it was game over for me. Coolroehouse Abbott Ann is my kind of stylish cow with a beautiful mammary system and an open rib.”
Murphy and Behan, who exhibit under the Hillholm Holsteins prefix, were presented with the Virginia Milk Products Cup by Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, alongside the competition sponsors Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier Tirlán.
Speaking at the event, Mr Dooley said: “The Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow Competition is a wonderful showcase of the quality, expertise and commitment of dairy farmers and breeders that underpin the dairy sector. It is fitting that this all-island competition brings together the best breeders from both North and South to celebrate the very best of dairy breeding.
"The exceptional standard of animals here today reflects generations of breeding knowledge and skilled stockmanship across this island, complemented by ongoing advances in herd genetics and innovative technologies. I congratulate this year’s Champion and all the breeders and exhibitors whose passion and dedication have made this competition such a success over the past five decades."
Known among dairy breeders as ‘The Baileys’, the competition brings together leading Holstein Friesian breeders from across the island of Ireland and has been a fixture of the dairy showing calendar for more than 40 years.
A competition spokesperson said the aim was to show cows combining “outstanding type and conformation with the production, health, fertility and functional characteristics required of the modern dairy cow”.
Aliann Pepper Lila Z, owned by Alan and Leanne Paul of Maghera, Co Derry, was declared Reserve Champion, with Annaghmore Rager KD Jackie, owned by Clive and Joel Richardson of Co Armagh, receiving the Honourable Mention.
Special category winners included:
- Best Heifer in Milk - Annaghmore Rager KD Jackie, Clive and Joel Richardson of Co Armagh (also Best Exhibitor Bred Cow);
- Best Protein Award - Aliann Pepper Lila Z, Alan and Leanne Paul of Co Derry;
- Best Junior Cow - Willsbro Lambda Galys Vray 46, John and Bryan O’Connor, Co Cork;
- Best EBI - Cedarmore Lambda Bazooka, John and Bryan O’Connor, Co Cork.
Tirlán chairperson Ger O’Brien explained the ring reflected "both the heritage and the remarkable progress being made in dairy genetics".
"Tirlán is proud to stand alongside Diageo in recognising that commitment and celebrating the breeders and their families who are driving dairy farming forward," he said.
Robert Murphy, Head of Baileys Operations at Diageo, added: “The exceptional standard of cows we have seen here at Virginia is a testament to the commitment, care and pride of dairy breeders across the island of Ireland. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tirlán in celebrating that excellence.”
