The FBD National Dairy Show 2026 took place at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork, on 9th and 10th October. It was a record year, with record attendance, record trade stands and close to 200 cattle forward.
Fame makes history
Eedy Doorman Fame, bred and exhibited by the Helen family from Clonakilty, Co. Cork, was named Supreme Champion by judge Mark Logan. It is her third Supreme title, following wins in 2023 and 2024. She is the first Irish bred cow to achieve this.
Only one other cow in the 44 year history of the show has won the title three times: the Canadian import Moralta Inspiration Fame, who is Eedy Doorman Fame’s fourth dam. Eedy Doorman Fame also won Class 20 and the Exhibitor Bred Championship.
Laurence Feeney, CEO of the IHFA, said: “Congratulations to the Helen family on a truly historic achievement. To win Supreme Champion three times, and to follow in the footsteps of her fourth dam, shows the quality of breeding on Irish farms today. It was a privilege to see it happen in Millstreet.”
Reserve and Honourable Mention
Reserve Supreme Champion went to Tubbertoby Mirand Abba, exhibited by P&M Flanagan from Termonfeckin, Co. Louth. She also won Class 18 and the IHFA Best Udder award. Honourable Mention went to Jones Knowlesmere Lvictory, exhibited by Jones Cattle Ltd, who was also named Holstein Intermediate Champion.
2026 Champions
| Award | Winner | Exhibitor |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Champion | Eedy Doorman Fame | R&S, J&L Helen |
| Reserve Supreme Champion | Tubbertoby Mirand Abba | P&M Flanagan |
| Holstein Intermediate Champion | Jones Knowlesmere Lvictory | Jones Cattle Ltd |
| Holstein Junior Champion | Slatabogie Alpha Mahogany IMP | Steve McLoughlin |
| Confined Champion | Blarney Lambda Pledge | Noel Murphy |
| Jersey Champion | Rathard Kasey | Hynes Family |
| Champion Handler | John Barrett |
IHFA awards
The IHFA was proud to sponsor two awards at this year’s show. The Production Class, for cows with over 4,000kg of lifetime fat and protein, was won by Peak Solo Rhapsody ET, exhibited by Steve McLoughlin. The Best Udder award went to Tubbertoby Mirand Abba, exhibited by P&M Flanagan.
Young handlers
The final round of the YMA Showmanship League was won by Georgina Hynes (Class A), Clodagh Kennelly (Class B) and Jennifer Harty (Class C). John Barrett was named Champion Handler.
Innovation Awards
Udder Logic won the Overall National Dairy Show Innovation Award for its Automatic Dipping and Flushing System. The Best Trade Stand award went to IRD Duhallow.
A record year
Tom Baker, Show Director, said: “This was possibly one of the best National Dairy Shows ever held, with record attendance, record trade stands and record cattle entries. It will be hard to top this year, but we will give it a go.”
The IHFA would like to thank the show committee, judges, sponsors, exhibitors and everyone who visited the IHFA stand.
Full results: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:bcdd08ea-e00c-43e0-b58b-3aeac1406ca1
Photos: Jessica Hall Photography and Mathias Penn
