Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath is set to officially open the FBD National Dairy show.

The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection will attend the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork to perform the official opening.

The show will take place from Friday, October 9, to Saturday October 10, with gates opening at 2:00p.m on Friday.

Commissioner

Commissioner McGrath is a Cork native himself, and was an active TD for Cork South Central from 2007 to 2024.

He also previously served as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

A spokesperson for the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), noted how his former constituency office in Carrigaline sits in the heart of one of Ireland's biggest dairy farming areas.

This saw him get directly approached by dairy farmers when protesting the reduction in the nitrates derogation in 2023.

In McGrath's current role as EU Commissioner, he has spoken on the strength of support for the Common Agricultural Policy within the European Commission.

McGrath was also pictured alongside EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon at the National Ploughing Championships.

Last year, the show was officially opened by a fellow 'Rebel County' politician, Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Dairy show

The two-day event, which is now in its 44th year, will see some of the best handlers and cattle up against each other in the centre stage.

As well as that, the FBD National Dairy show will feature Ireland's largest specialised dairy trade exhibition.

Visitors are also recommended to visit the Rispoval Calf Village, which is making a return to the show for it's third consecutive year.

The National Dairy Innovation Awards will also take place on the Friday evening, a strong showcase of the newest, most innovative products in the agricultural sector.

The gates will open to the public at 2:00p.m on Friday, with tickets available onsite.

Families are being reminded that children can go free.