To win the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow Competition at Virginia Show is quite the achievement, but to claim both champion and reserve on the same day is a remarkable accomplishment.
That is exactly what Philip and Linda Jones of Hallow Holsteins achieved on Wednesday 20 August in Virginia, 10 years since the pair last won the coveted title.
World renowned Italian judge Giuseppe Beltramino awarded the overall champion to the much acclaimed Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, which also secured the 'Best Exhibitor Bred’ in the competition.
2025 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow, Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, jointly owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Gorey Co Wexford, and Clive and Joel Richardson from Co Armagh. \ Maria Kelly
This fabulous six-year-old cow is jointly owned by the Jones family with breeders Joel and Clive Richardson of the Annaghmore herd based in Co Armagh.
A daughter of Toc Farm Fitz, she was interbreed dairy champion at Balmoral in May.
"A mature cow which brings together in a outstanding way, femininity and dairy strength," is how Giuseppe described his champion cow.
Minister Heydon
The winning breeders were presented with a cheque for €3,000 and the prestigious Virginia Milk Products Cup by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T., alongside representatives from Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier, Tirlán.
In congratulating the winner, Minister Heydon said, “I am delighted to be here today to present this prestigious award. The standard of dairy cows on show at this event is a tribute to the dedication of all those involved in the sector.
"I congratulate all our competitors on what has been a truly fantastic competition, which once again showcases why Ireland’s dairy industry is so highly rated by global consumers.
"I also acknowledge both Diageo and Tirlán for their continued support of this annual competition and their support to the Irish grass-fed dairy sector.
"The continued success of Irish Cream, our all-island geographical indication, is a testament to the hard work of all those involved in the sector. I wish you all every success in the continued delivery of quality Irish food products, both domestically and around the world.”
In reserve for Philip and Linda Jones was the five-year-old cow, Hallow Denver Twizzle. A daughter of Brenland Denver, she was junior champion at the same venue in 2024 for the Wexford based herd.
2025 Diageo Baileys Reserve Champion Cow Hallow Denver Twizzle shown by Philip and Will Jones from Co Wexford. They are pictured receiving their prize from the Minister of Agriculture Martin Heydon T.D., alongside sponsors Shane Kelly Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland and John Murphy Chairperson Tirlan, and judge Giuseppe Beltramino. \ Finbarr O'Rourke
For the Honourable Mention the Italian judge went for Greenlea Hurricane Isa exhibited by the Greenan family from County Monaghan, hosts of the 2025 IHFA National Open Day.
Born in January 2023, this Bacon-Hill Hurricane ET daughter also took home the Heifer-in-Milk champion title.
Special categories
The best EBI award was claimed by Evergrange Conan Missy P brought out by Co Wicklow breeder George Beattie.
Annaghmore Holsteins added to their collection of silverware when Lumville M Danoise won the best protein award for owners Clive and Joel Richardson from Co Armagh.
Meanwhile, overall junior cow winner was WTS O'Leila et IMP, exhibited by Richard Kingston from Co Tipperary.
Honourable Mention at the 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion cow competition, Greenlea Hurricane Isa, pictured with Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director Diageo Ireland, owners Padraic and Brendan Greenan; Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, T.D. John Murphy, Chairperson Tírlan and the judge, Giuseppe Beltramino. \ Finbarr O'Rourke
Reflecting on the day’s achievements, Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland, said:
“Today we celebrated the very best of Irish dairy breeding. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion that goes into taking part in this competition.
"The standard of entries this year was exceptional and we’re proud to stand alongside our partners at Tirlán in recognising the Holstein Friesian dairy farming community for their commitment to breeding excellence.”
Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy, added: “Competitions like this continue to highlight the commitment of our farming community to excellence in breeding, sustainability, and animal welfare standards.
"The 2025 Virginia Show once again brings to the fore the very best of Irish agriculture — a cornerstone of our rural economy. Family farms remain the backbone of rural Ireland, and we are proud to support both the Virginia Show and the wider rural community.”
To win the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow Competition at Virginia Show is quite the achievement, but to claim both champion and reserve on the same day is a remarkable accomplishment.
That is exactly what Philip and Linda Jones of Hallow Holsteins achieved on Wednesday 20 August in Virginia, 10 years since the pair last won the coveted title.
World renowned Italian judge Giuseppe Beltramino awarded the overall champion to the much acclaimed Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, which also secured the 'Best Exhibitor Bred’ in the competition.
2025 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow, Annaghmore Fitz Atlee EX96, jointly owned by Philip and Linda Jones from Gorey Co Wexford, and Clive and Joel Richardson from Co Armagh. \ Maria Kelly
This fabulous six-year-old cow is jointly owned by the Jones family with breeders Joel and Clive Richardson of the Annaghmore herd based in Co Armagh.
A daughter of Toc Farm Fitz, she was interbreed dairy champion at Balmoral in May.
"A mature cow which brings together in a outstanding way, femininity and dairy strength," is how Giuseppe described his champion cow.
Minister Heydon
The winning breeders were presented with a cheque for €3,000 and the prestigious Virginia Milk Products Cup by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T., alongside representatives from Diageo Ireland and its cream supplier, Tirlán.
In congratulating the winner, Minister Heydon said, “I am delighted to be here today to present this prestigious award. The standard of dairy cows on show at this event is a tribute to the dedication of all those involved in the sector.
"I congratulate all our competitors on what has been a truly fantastic competition, which once again showcases why Ireland’s dairy industry is so highly rated by global consumers.
"I also acknowledge both Diageo and Tirlán for their continued support of this annual competition and their support to the Irish grass-fed dairy sector.
"The continued success of Irish Cream, our all-island geographical indication, is a testament to the hard work of all those involved in the sector. I wish you all every success in the continued delivery of quality Irish food products, both domestically and around the world.”
In reserve for Philip and Linda Jones was the five-year-old cow, Hallow Denver Twizzle. A daughter of Brenland Denver, she was junior champion at the same venue in 2024 for the Wexford based herd.
2025 Diageo Baileys Reserve Champion Cow Hallow Denver Twizzle shown by Philip and Will Jones from Co Wexford. They are pictured receiving their prize from the Minister of Agriculture Martin Heydon T.D., alongside sponsors Shane Kelly Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland and John Murphy Chairperson Tirlan, and judge Giuseppe Beltramino. \ Finbarr O'Rourke
For the Honourable Mention the Italian judge went for Greenlea Hurricane Isa exhibited by the Greenan family from County Monaghan, hosts of the 2025 IHFA National Open Day.
Born in January 2023, this Bacon-Hill Hurricane ET daughter also took home the Heifer-in-Milk champion title.
Special categories
The best EBI award was claimed by Evergrange Conan Missy P brought out by Co Wicklow breeder George Beattie.
Annaghmore Holsteins added to their collection of silverware when Lumville M Danoise won the best protein award for owners Clive and Joel Richardson from Co Armagh.
Meanwhile, overall junior cow winner was WTS O'Leila et IMP, exhibited by Richard Kingston from Co Tipperary.
Honourable Mention at the 2025 Diageo Baileys Champion cow competition, Greenlea Hurricane Isa, pictured with Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director Diageo Ireland, owners Padraic and Brendan Greenan; Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, T.D. John Murphy, Chairperson Tírlan and the judge, Giuseppe Beltramino. \ Finbarr O'Rourke
Reflecting on the day’s achievements, Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland, said:
“Today we celebrated the very best of Irish dairy breeding. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion that goes into taking part in this competition.
"The standard of entries this year was exceptional and we’re proud to stand alongside our partners at Tirlán in recognising the Holstein Friesian dairy farming community for their commitment to breeding excellence.”
Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy, added: “Competitions like this continue to highlight the commitment of our farming community to excellence in breeding, sustainability, and animal welfare standards.
"The 2025 Virginia Show once again brings to the fore the very best of Irish agriculture — a cornerstone of our rural economy. Family farms remain the backbone of rural Ireland, and we are proud to support both the Virginia Show and the wider rural community.”
SHARING OPTIONS