Cedarmore Holsteins – owned and run by the O'Connor family in Kanturk, Co Cork – played host to the 2026 Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) national open day on Wednesday 8 July.
The annual event showcased one of Ireland's most progressive pedigree Holstein Friesian herds and highlighted excellence in breeding, innovation, sustainability and dairy production.
This year's event provided visitors with the opportunity to view a herd that successfully combines world-class genetics with cutting-edge technology and modern farm management.
Showcase of excellence
Throughout the day, visitors toured the Cedarmore facilities, including the state-of-the-art robotic dairy unit completed in 2021 and designed by John O'Connor.
The farm currently milks in excess of 180 cows through three Lely Astronaut milking robots and utilises a Lely Vector automatic feeding system to maximise efficiency and cow performance.
As visitors walked through the herd, the O'Connor family shared the breeding philosophy that has underpinned the success of both the Cedarmore and Bawnmore prefixes.
Their focus on functional type, fertility, udder quality and longevity, combined with strategic investment in elite cow families and modern genetic technologies, has developed a herd widely recognised among the country's premier Holstein breeders.
Particular attention was drawn to the exceptional classification achievements within the herd, including three EX96 cows scored during the past 12 months, reflecting the remarkable quality and consistency of the breeding programme.
Trade exhibitors
The open day featured a large trade stand village, where leading agricultural businesses displayed the latest products, services and technologies available to the dairy sector. Visitors engaged with exhibitors throughout the day, discussing innovations in animal health, nutrition, genetics, farm infrastructure, technology and sustainability.
The support of sponsors and exhibitors contributed significantly to the success of the event and reinforced the strong partnership between the Holstein Friesian breed and the wider dairy industry.
Celebrating success
The Cedarmore story is built on decades of pedigree breeding, tracing its origins through the Bawnmore herd established by Bryan O'Connor snr in the 1950s. Today, John and Bryan O'Connor continue that legacy, combining traditional stockmanship with modern dairy technology to create a truly progressive farming enterprise.
The family's achievements in the show ring have become synonymous with the Cedarmore and Bawnmore names.
Visitors had the opportunity to see some of the cow families responsible for major successes, including Bawnmore Pepper Almeric EX95, winner of the supreme senior Holstein Friesian championship at the FBD National Livestock Show and Irish Holstein Cow of the Year.
The depth of quality throughout the herd and the family's continued focus on breed improvement were evident throughout the day and left a lasting impression on visitors.
Stock judging competition
One of the highlights of the day was the national inter-club stock judging competition. The quality of the animals presented made for a highly competitive contest, with participants traveling from clubs nationwide to put their judging skills to the test.
The judging classes featured outstanding examples of Cedarmore breeding, allowing competitors to assess heifers, junior cows and senior cows displaying exceptional type, production potential and dairy character. Young members also participated enthusiastically in a dedicated reason-giving competition.
Following the classes, the master judges delivered their reasons before presentations were made to the winning teams and individuals.
The master judges for the day were David Boyd, Victor Jackson, Richard Forde and Andrea Rafferty (YMA). Their job was made difficult yet enjoyable by the high calibre of animals on display. Reason-giving judges for the YMA members were Robert Helen, Robert Shannon and Pat Fanning.
Results
In the 12- to 18-year-old section, the Breffni Oriel club took first place, made up of Lucy Greenan, Zoe Greenan and Mark Gilliland. Lucy Greenan also picked up the highest individual award and best set of reasons in this section.
In the 18- to 26-year-old section, team Cork took first place, represented by Sarah Shannon, Conor Lehane and Adrian Crowley. Pauric Coleman from the Carlow\Kilkenny club received the highest individual award, as well as giving the best set of reasons here.
In the 26-year-old and over category, the Carlow\Kilkenny club reigned supreme, represented by John Ryan, Pat Murphy and Padraic Murphy. Claiming the highest individual award in this section was Sean Kelly of the Tipperary\Waterford Club.
In the open stock judging competition, Alexander Tinney from Co Donegal came out on top.
Herds competition
The IHFA national herds competition is computed on the basis of a balanced formula incorporating efficiency of production, conformation points and inspection points for quality as recognised by a visiting judge.
The judge for the herds competition this year was Richard Thomas from the Churchvale Herd in Wales. Over the course of six days, he travelled the length and breadth of Ireland visiting the best herds the country has to offer.
The winners in each section were:
Category - spring calving herds
Category - herds 80 cows and less
Category - herds greater than 80 cows
Category - judge's choice prize
Eedy Doorman Fame from Jason Helen, Eedy herd, won the judge's recognition award.
Smallacre Apricot Jre, bred and owned by Colm O’Sullivan, Kilbree, Clonakilty, Co Cork, won the highest EBI cow not classified award with an EBI of €410.
Olcastletown Yvonne Angelica EX 91, bred and owned by Robert P Drake, Kildorrey, Co Cork, won the highest EBI cow classified VG/EX award with an EBI of €357.
IHFA gratitude
The IHFA expressed thanks to John and Bryan O'Connor, their families, staff, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and all visitors who contributed to making the 2026 national open day such a memorable occasion.
The event showcased not only the excellence of the Cedarmore herd, but also the strength, innovation and future of Ireland's Holstein Friesian breed.
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