Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 just shattered expectations in Ireland’s premier dairy show
Ireland’s dairy spotlight turned dazzling at the 82nd Virginia Show in Co. Cavan, where Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, a 6-year-old Holstein Friesian, claimed both the Champion Cow and Best Exhibitor-Bred titles at the 2025 Diageo Baileys® Irish Champion Dairy Cow competition. In a first in the event’s 40-year legacy, this elite bovine represented a true North-South partnership—co-owned by Philip & Linda Jones of Co. Wexford and Joel & Clive Richardson of Co. Armagh.
The winning breeders received a €3,000 award and the Virginia Milk Products Cup from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, who praised the competition’s role in showcasing Ireland’s “world-renowned grass-fed dairy quality.” He also commended Diageo and cream partner Tirlán for their ongoing support of the sector.
Competition Highlights
- Champion Cow: Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96 (Philip & Linda Jones; Joel & Clive Richardson)
- Reserve Champion: Hallow Denver Twizzle (Philip & Linda Jones)
- Honourable Mention & Heifer-in-Milk Champion: Greenlea Hurricane Isa (Greenan family, Co. Monaghan)
- Best EBI Award: Evergrange Conan Missy P (George Beattie, Co. Wicklow)
- Best Protein Award: Lumville M Danoise (Clive & Joel Richardson, Annaghmore Holsteins, Co. Armagh)
Italian judge Giuseppe Beltramino emphasized conformation, strength, and proven milk yield as the cornerstone criteria for selection.
Voices from the Day
- Shane Kelly, Diageo Ireland Corporate Relations Director:
“The standard of entries this year was exceptional. We’re proud to stand alongside Tirlán in celebrating the Holstein Friesian community’s breeding excellence.” - John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson:
“This competition spotlights our farming community’s dedication to breeding, sustainability, and animal welfare. Family farms are the heart of rural Ireland.”
Annaghmore Fitz Atlee’s triumph not only underscores top-tier genetics and performance but also celebrates an island-wide collaboration at the pinnacle of Irish dairy breeding.
