Three generations of success as Rathard takes Jersey honours at National Dairy Show

Becky Hynes with National Dairy Show Jersey Champion Rathard Kasey.

The Hynes family enjoyed a remarkable National Dairy Show, taking the Jersey championship and reserve titles, the junior championship and reserve, and the awards for Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor.

Rathard Kasey, by FDL Barcelona and out of Rathard Kiki, retained her Jersey championship title, with stablemate Potterswalls Victorious Cash taking reserve.

Charlie Salter and John Ryan in the show ring for the Junior Class 1A handlers exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey calf born in 2026. Picture: Larry Cummins

“We’ve had a big team all year, but for this particular show we brought 15, which is probably the biggest number we’ve ever brought to a show,” said Paula Hynes.

“We’ve five milkers — two Jerseys and three Holsteins — four young Jersey heifers and six Holstein heifers.

“The majority of the prep is done at home, every day, seven days a week, but we’re very lucky to have a big team. We have three fitters, really, and seven or eight people on buckets, washing and leading.” 

Sarah Shannon from Clonakilty in the show ring at the FBD Insurance National Dairy Show at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

The family’s success began on day one, taking first and second in both the younger and senior Jersey heifer classes, followed by the junior championship and reserve.

Kasey’s granddaughter, Rathard Classic Khassidy, was named junior champion, while her daughter, Rathard Ghost Kohana, took reserve.

Brothers Ted and Rory Jones getting a cow ready for the show ring at the FBD Insurance National Dairy Show at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“Last year, it was her daughter that got junior champion. It’s all the Ks at our place — we call them ‘the K Club’,” Paula quipped.

The family’s two Jersey milkers then went head-to-head, with Kasey, in her third lactation, coming out on top again. Cash, in her second lactation, took reserve.

“She’s a superstar,” Paula said of Kasey. “She was champion here last year. She had five championship titles in a row last year, and she also had Tullamore this year.

“She’s a seasoned campaigner now. She’s ready to go off on her holiday soon. She’ll be dried off soon and will be calving in January.” 

Noel C Duggan and EU Commissioner Micheal McGrath chatting together at the FBD Insurance National Dairy Show at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

With the majority of the family’s 15 entries homebred, hearing the Rathard prefix called out added to the excitement.

“There’s a buzz in it, and a bigger buzz in hearing Rathard called out over the tannoy. The majority of the 15 are homebred. And our girls love it.”