Edwin Gaynor from Co. Cavan receiving his competitor sash at the 2019 Virginia Show from Robert Murphy of Diageo Baileys, Carol Power of Glanbia Ireland. Also pictured, Brendan Smyth.

Last chance to enter Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow competition

Excitement is building ahead of this year’s Virginia Show, with the Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Cow also set to be crowned at the event.

Sponsors of the competition, Baileys and its cream supplier Glanbia Ireland are expecting a strong response from farmers when it returns to the Virginia Show on August 24 after a two year absence due to the pandemic.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Holstein Friesian breeders to this great agricultural event. We’re expecting to see well-known breeders who have a strong family connection with the competition over the years but also next generation entrants who have developed an interest in showing livestock in recent times,” said Brendan Smyth, who coordinates entries on behalf of the sponsors.

“A win in the show-ring at ‘The Baileys’ is the ultimate form of promotion for the herd and there’s huge pride in representing the county”.

Guest of honour at the event will be EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, who’s well known locally and in farming circles. She will present the Breeder of the ‘2022 Diageo Baileys Champion’ with the Virginia Milk Products Cup and a cheque from the sponsors of €2,500.