With a record number of entries in the Dairy section at this year's FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore, expectations were high and it did not disappoint with a brilliant display across the various breeds.

The pinnacle of the event came when the outstanding Holstein Friesian cow, Coolroehouse Abbott Ann EX93 was crowned senior champion for 2026 by judge Edward Griffiths. Owned and exhibited by Paul Murphy and Emma Behan from Co Cork, this tremendous 2021 born daughter of Willsbro Abbott and Coolroehouse Halogen was overall champion at the IHFA Emerald Expo in 2026 and 2025, as well as all-Ireland junior champion cow in 2025.

Holstein Friesian junior champion, Akeragh Sidekick Aideen 2334, owned by Daniel and Emer Curtin from Co Kerry. \ Alf Harvey

Claiming the junior champion Holstein Friesian were Kerry breeders, Daniel and Emer Curtin, with Akeragh Sidekick Aideen 2334. Born in August 2025, this Walnutlawn Sidekick daughter was overall champion at the IHFA YMA calf finals in Kilkenny recently.

Jersey champion

Taking the overall Jersey championship back to Co Cork for the second year in a row was the 2022 born Rathard Kasey EX92 for Peter Hynes and family. Sired by Fdl Barcelona, Kasey's win secured an incredible fifth National Livestock Show championship for the Cork based herd.

Rathard Kassey EX92, champion Jersey shown by Becky Hynes with judge Michael McNamara and Jeremiah Daly, Jersey Society.

Over in the Dairy Shorthorn ring, Glenn Carter from Co Tipperary came up trumps with Ransboro Claribel 4th, winning the overall champion after being judged best heifer in milk by judge Stewart Baxter. A debutante to the show ring, Claribel is a daughter of Ransboro Catalyst and Ransboro Claribel 2nd.

Ransboro Claribel 4th, champion Dairy Shorthorn shown by Glenn Carter with judge Stewart Baxter.

Fleckvieh

Following on from their first appearance at Tullamore in 2025, Fleckvieh breeders were out in force once again. Lifting the supreme accolade here under judge Matthias Wieneroither was Thomas O'Harte from Co Monaghan with Hartefarms Raziy. September 2023 born, this cow in milk is sired by the AI sire, GS Woward.

Overall champion Fleckvieh, Hartefarms Raziy, shown by Eddie Courtney and Thomas O'Harte, with Nina Carberry MEP, Chelsey CoxMcDonald, Tullamore Show, Freda Kinnarney, ISA and Alan Geraghty, FBD. \ Alf Harvey