Coolroehouse Abbott Ann has taken the top prize, claiming the 2026 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow title after a thrilling and fiercely contested competition.

The competition, sponsored by Diageo and Tirlán, was intense throughout, and judging could not have been harder as high quality animals went head to head.

But after a moment of pure suspense, emotions filled the faces of Co. Cork exhibitors, Paul Murphy and Emma Behan, as their five-year-old cow was tapped out as the champion.

Diageo Baileys Champion Cow

The Diageo Baileys Champion Cow Competition showcases some of Ireland most elite dairy stock, and is often referred to as the ‘all-Ireland for dairy cows’.

A win in the show-ring at ‘The Baileys’ is the ultimate form of promotion for any breeder’s herd and there is huge pride in representing their counties - but like the all-Ireland, it is extremely hard to win.

This year’s winning breeder was presented with a cheque for €3,000 and the prestigious Virginia Milk Products Cup by the Minister Minister of State, Timmy Dooley, alongside representatives from Diageo Ireland and Tirlán at the 83rd Virginia Show in Co. Cavan.

The Diageo Baileys Champion Cow competition continues to showcase Ireland’s finest dairy breeding, with strength, body conformation, and proven milk production capability forming the foundation for the judges’ decisions.

As well as the overall title, there was a section for the best heifer in milk and also best junior cow.

There was also a range of category prizes to be won, such as best protein award, best Economic Breeding Index (EBI) award and best exhibitor-bred award.

The judge on the day was Marcel Egli from Buttisholz, Switzerland.

The Swiss judge has a lifetime of experience in pedigree dairy breeding and judging, and is backed by an impressive resume.

His family runs the renowned Woodhouse Holsteins herd, which he is involved with, while also managing his wife Fabienne's family farm in Les Breuleux.

Egli said today that Coolroehouse Abbott Ann was the cow he would most like to milk at home, as she is a well balanced cow.

Egli said: "When she came into the ring, for me it was game over."

Aliann Pepper Lila Z exhibited by Slatabogie Holsteins was declared Reserve Champion.

Special category winners included:

Best Heifer in Milk – Annaghmore Rager KD Jackie exhibited by Clive and Joel Richardson;
Junior Cow winner - Willsbro Lamda Galys Vray 46 exhibited by John and Bryan O'Connor;
Best EBI Award – Cedarmore Lambda Bazooka exhibited by John and Bryan O'Connor;
Best Protein Award – Aliann Pepper Lila Z exhibited by Slatabogie Holsteins.

Head of Baileys operations at Diageo, Robert Murphy, said “The exceptional standard of cows we have seen here at Virginia is testament to the commitment, care and pride of dairy breeders across the island of Ireland.”

Meanwhile, Tirlán chair, Ger O’Brien added: “What we saw in the ring today reflects 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 on forward.”