IHFA National Open Day 2025 hosted by the Greenan family, Greenlea herd, Co. Monaghan
The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Open Day drew a strong crowd to the Greenan Family farm in Crosshugh, Co. Monaghan, where Padraic and his family showcased their Greenlea Holstein herd. The event was a celebration not only of a high-achieving herd, but of a farming family’s remarkable resilience.
Now milking 100 cows, the Greenlea Herd follows a split autumn and spring calving pattern, with production, functionality, and structural strength at the heart of its’ breeding goals. Behind this success lies a story of persistence through hardship.
The Greenan’s pedigree journey began in 1995 under Padraic’s encouragement, working with Bobby Franks to grade up the herd. Just two years later, disaster struck when BSE forced a total depopulation. The family rebuilt, only to face another setback in 2000 with a second depopulation. Many might have walked away, but not the Greenans. They started again, this time sourcing 38 cows from France through David Clarke of Cows.ie. That foundation has since grown into one of Ireland’s most admired herds.
Today, Greenlea is equipped with a 20-unit Dairymaster parlour and CowManager technology, ensuring close monitoring of cow performance. The herd averages 10,091kg milk/cow with 4.15% fat and 3.29% protein (738kg solids), while maintaining a herd conformation average of 86.2. Recognition has come quickly. In 2024, Padraic and family won the National Herds Competition (Over 80 Cows Section) on their first attempt. Their pride and joy, Greenlea MG Rhapsody EX96, also claimed the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow title at the Virginia Show.
Strong cow families — including Rhapsody, Apple, Katrina, Pledge, Roxy, and Aiko — provide the backbone of the herd, with new genetics introduced from renowned international
lines such as Katrysha, Emoji, Tokyo, and Bonnie.
The itinerary of events on the day included the National Interclub stockjudging, Macra na Feirme National stockjudging, viewing of the Greenlea herd, results and presentations of the IHFA National Herds Competition and a Greenlea Open Day Celebratory Sale offering choice youngstock from the herds
best cow families.
The best of Greenlea’s breeding was on display for the stockjudging classes of Heifers in milk, Junior Cows and Senior Cows. In addition, there was a separate class of cows for Young Members aged under twelve years to judge. As well as the Interclub Stockjudging competition, an Open Stockjudging competition was available to all outside of the judging rings. The Master Judges for the day were, David Boyd (Senior Cows), Mark Logan (Junior Cows), Laura Helen (Heifers) and Colin Todd (YMA Class). Their job was made difficult yet enjoyable by the high calibre of animals on display. Following on from a successful event in 2024, the YMA team members were again invited to give reasons to judges, Jason Helen, Emer Kelly & Rachel McNamara.
Once the Master Judges had given their reasons, Padraic stepped into the ring to welcome all to Crosshugh and talk through the pedigrees on display.
Topping the trade of the Greenlea Celebratory Sale at 12,000gns was Greenlea Lambda Rhapsody 2064, purchased by John Coakley of Co. Meath. In-calf to Kings-Ransom Dropbox and due February 2026, this heifer traces back to none other than Greenlea MG Rhapsody EX96. The “Apple” line also made its mark, with Greenlea Lambda Apple 1980 selling for 6,900gns. Two more lots hit 6,800gns: Greenlea Holysmoke Rhapsody, backed by 16 generations of VG/EX, and Greenlea Haniko Katrysha, a January-born heifer from the famous Katrysha family.
For Padraic Greenan and his family, the open day was more than a chance to showcase cattle. It was the culmination of decades of persistence, a reminder that success in dairying often grows out of setbacks, and proof that the Greenlea Herd has firmly secured its place among Ireland’s elite.
