Latest news with #VirginiaShow
Agriland
2 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Dairy breeding elite set for Cavan as Baileys Champion Cow returns
Some of the best Holstein Friesian genetics in Ireland will be on show at this year's Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow Competition, taking place at the Virginia Show on Wednesday, August 20. According to competition co-ordinator Patrick Gaynor, it is not just the €13,000 prize fund that has attracted a strong response from breeders across Ireland this year. Gaynor mentioned that 28 cows are entered, including a record eight coming from four Northern Irish counties - Antrim, Armagh, Derry, and Down - with other exhibitors travelling from as far away as counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. He also paid tribute to the support of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein Northern Ireland (NI), crediting the warm welcome and the prestige of the 'Baileys Cow' title as the main draw for exhibitors. 'The welcome competitors receive from the organisers and sponsors as well as the prestige of even taking part in a competition as well known as 'the Baileys' is I believe what makes it special.' Now in its fifth decade, the competition continues to be one of the most sought-after titles in the pedigree dairy community, backed by one of the longest-running sponsorship partnerships in Irish agriculture – between Diageo, owner of Baileys Irish Cream, and its cream supplier Tirlán. The cream for Baileys is produced down the road from the showgrounds at Tirlán's Virginia site, making the event a showcase for the global brand's Irish provenance. Judging duties this year will fall to Italian breeder Giuseppe Beltramino from northern Italy. MC duties will once again be handled by Michael Taffe. Proceedings get underway at 3.00pm, preceded by a parade of the Holstein Friesians entering the main ring. A special VIP guest will join Diageo Ireland's corporate relations director Shane Kelly and Tirlán chairperson John Murphy to present the top prize and the Virginia Milk Products Cup trophy.
Agriland
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Heading to Cavan's Big Day Out?
The Virginia Show and 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow returns on Wednesday, August 20 From Ireland's dairy elite to cookery demos, the Virginia Show returns on Wednesday, August 20 with a full day of farming pride, family fun, and fierce competition - all just a stone's throw from Lough Ramor. Whether you are coming to see 'the Baileys', browse the craft stalls, or sample local produce, this top Co. Cavan tradition promises something for everyone. Set against this picturesque backdrop, the Virginia Show is a magnet for farming families and day-trippers alike. The event features almost 500 competitive classes - from livestock and horses to home industries, cookery, crafts, and young stockperson awards. The show's unique combination of agricultural pride, entertainment, and community celebration makes it one of Ireland's most beloved country shows. At its heart lies the internationally recognised Diageo Baileys Champion Cow competition. One of the show's greatest draws for over 40 years, the event celebrates the finest Holstein Friesian dairy cows from across the island, supported by Diageo Ireland and cream supplier Tirlán—the key ingredient partner behind Baileys Irish Cream. Speaking at this year's launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon praised the competition. He said: "The success of our Irish cream is a testament to the quality of our agri-food sector, which continues to deliver premium produce enjoyed around the world. "I commend Diageo and Tirlán for recognising the vital role of Irish dairy farmers and for continuing to spotlight the best of Irish agriculture through this competition, for showcasing our quality Irish cream globally and for supporting the future sustainability of the agri-food sector. I wish all entrants the very best ahead of this year's Virginia Show.' The title of Baileys Champion Cow comes with a €3,000 prize and the Virginia Milk Products Cup, while Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention earn €1,500 and €800 respectively. Popular classes such as Best Heifer in Milk and Junior Cow in Second Lactation offer over €3,000 in additional prize money. Breeders from both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI are eligible to compete. Judging begins at 3:00p.m, where the best of the best will be paraded and evaluated by an international judge in front of a packed audience. Updates on the competition can be followed on Facebook. From early morning, the showgrounds come alive with meticulously groomed animals, passionate competitors, and crowds eager to soak in the atmosphere. In the sheep section, judges assess style, stance and skill. In the food hall, the best of Irish produce is on display—artisanal cheeses, chocolates, cured meats, oils, preserves and more. Visitors can sample as they browse and pick up expert culinary tips from live cookery demonstrations led by award-winning chefs. These interactive demos are a big draw for aspiring home cooks and seasoned foodies alike. The Virginia Show is about more than agriculture - it's a festival of rural life. The fashion show attracts large crowds every year with its mix of traditional country style and modern flair. The hotly contested Most Appropriately Dressed competition offers fun and glamour for all ages. Live music from the gig rig, along with street food stalls, pop-up shops, local crafts, and specialty drink vendors, ensure that there's something for everyone. Whether you're there for red rosettes, artisanal produce, stylish fashion, or simply a great day out in the country, the 2025 Virginia Show has it all. Six fun things to do at this year's show: Pick your favourite bovine beauty queen at the Baileys Cow Hotel; Share a chat over coffee at one of the many cafés; Check out the latest styles at the fashion show; Sample crafts, cooking and chocolate; Watch how to herd geese; Pick out a winner in the art competition. Parking is free with access from all major roads and friendly stewards in white coats ready to help.
Irish Examiner
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Virginia Show opens entries for 2025 Baileys Cow
Diageo Ireland, in partnership with its cream supplier Tirlán, announced the return of the Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition at the Virginia Show on August 20, 2025. Celebrating the excellence of Ireland's Holstein Friesian dairy herds, the event remains a showcase of the quality behind Baileys signature ingredient, Irish dairy cream. Attending its launch in Dublin recently minister for agriculture, food and the marine, Martin Heydon, praised the long-running competition as a symbol of pride in dairy farming and the herds behind the 'hero' ingredient in Baileys. Launching the competition, Minister Heydon said the competition was a "proud celebration of the excellence, care and commitment that define Irish dairy farming". "This stand-out event highlights the grass-based dairy breeding practices that our skilled farmers are known for and underpins the success of one of our most iconic global brands and our all-island geographical indication, Irish cream," he said. 'The success of our Irish cream is a testament to the quality of our agri-food sector, which continues to deliver premium produce enjoyed around the world. "I commend Diageo and Tirlán for recognising the vital role of Irish dairy farmers and for continuing to spotlight the best of Irish agriculture through this competition, for showcasing our quality Irish cream globally and for supporting the future sustainability of the agri-food sector. I wish all entrants the very best ahead of this year's Virginia Show.' Shane Kelly, Diageo Ireland Corporate Relations Director, added: 'We are delighted to champion the exceptional quality of Irish dairy cream – the heart of every bottle of Baileys. This annual event is a stand-out moment in the year to recognise dairy breeding practices.' Entry to the Diageo Baileys Cow is open to members of both the Irish Holstein Friesian Association and Holstein NI. The competition's top prize, Diageo Baileys Champion, comes with a cash reward of €3,000 and the Virginia Milk Products Cup Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention will receive €1,500 and €800, respectively. Additionally, the event will feature numerous other category prizes, including Junior Cows in their second lactation, with a total prize fund of €1,550. The popular Best-Heifer-in-Milk category will also offer €1,550, with €750 awarded to the first-place winner. Entries can be submitted online at or by contacting Patrick Gaynor on: 087-2898707. Read More EU gives Irish dairy high marks, but goat ID and cold store gaps need action
