Monaghan cow named Baileys champion

A Monaghan dairy cow was awarded the 2024 Diageo Baileys Irish title at Virginia show yesterday (Wednesday 21).

Greenlea MG Rhapsody EX 96 is a 9 year old Holstein Friesian cow owned by brothers Padraic and Brendan Greenan from Co. Monaghan.

The owners were presented with a cheque for €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup at the 81st Virginia Show.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD made the presentation alongside competition co-sponsors, Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier Tirlán.

The cow also won the Best Protein award and was the Best Exhibitor Bred cow.

In congratulating the winner, Minister Humphreys described how the competition has been running for over 40 years and is "definitely the one to win for dairy breeders."

"We have seen the crème de la crème of our dairy cows on show here in Virginia today," she said.

The Diageo Baileys Cow highlights and rewards dairy breeding excellence. Strength, body conformation and proven excellence in quality milk production are base-line criteria upon which a winner is selected. The judge, Markus Hock praised the winning cow.

“Not so often do you find a cow as old as she, winning a competition like this.

"She was the best cow, just beautiful and fantastic for her age,” he added.

Knowlesmere Jones Unix Victoria VG owned by Gary and Izzy Jones from Co. Wexford and also Andrew and Jane Whittaker in England, was declared Reserve Champion. Honourable Mention went to Hallow Octain Twizzle, owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Co. Wexford.

Other prizes were awarded in specialist categories. These included Best Heifer in Milk which was won by Slatabogie Lambda Gold from Co. Londonderry owned by Alan and Leanne Paul. Best EBI Award went to Desmond Radio Rozelle from Co. Limerick owned by Martin O’Sullivan. Best Junior Cow was awarded to Hallow Denver Twizzle VG89 owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Co. Wicklow.