35th Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show

Report by Donal Carey

A tremendous display of Holstein Friesian classes was one of the standout highlights of the 2026 Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show, held on Sunday August 9th. Numbers were strong throughout all classes, and the quality and standard of cattle exhibited was of the highest calibre. Dairy Ring number one was a hive of activity, as large crowds gathered throughout the day to enjoy the spectacle of top quality Holstein Friesian breeding.

The three YMA Showmanship League classes were a big feature once again, with a total of thirty YMA handlers competing. The successful format of Confined and National classes alternating added to the spectacle, as a unique feature of the show. The Judge was Mr Edward Griffiths of the Coachgate herd in Yorkshire, England, a long standing member of Holstein UK’s National Judges panel. Diarmuid Murphy of the Lissaniskey herd, Upton, Co. Cork, judged the YMA Showmanship League qualifier classes.

The success, renown and popularity of the show is a credit to the excellent work done by Martina Neville, Chairperson of the Dairy Section.

FBD National Livestock Show Senior Championship

Champion: Coolroehouse Abbot Ann, exhibited by Paul Murphy & Emma Behan, Mallow, Co. Cork Reserve: Peak Solo Rhapsody, exhibited by Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare Honourable Mention: Cedarmore Hurricane Tory, exhibited by Paul Murphy & Emma Behan, Mallow, Co. Cork

Winning both Senior Champion and Honourable Mention is a superb achievement by Paul Murphy and Emma Behan. Senior Champion Coolroehouse Abbott Ann also won Best Udder and 1st Senior Cow in Milk. She has an impressive track record of success, including winning Emerald Expo Senior Champion two years in a row, in 2025 and 2026. She is currently in her third lactation, calved since March.

Peak Solo Rhapsody, owned by Steve McLoughlin, won Reserve Champion. The Judge praised her many qualities as a sixth calver, and as the oldest cow exhibited at the show on the day. She is classified EX93 3E on conformation and is sired by Walnutlawn Solomon. She is a 14th generation VG/EX, and her dam is Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody EX97, a maximum classification score. Calved since April 1st, she has a lifetime yield to date of over 79,900kgs milk and over 5,100kgs milk solids.

Cedarmore Hurricane Tory won Honourable Mention, and also took 1st place in the Super €2,500 Heifer in Milk class. Classified VG87 as a two year old, she is calved ten months, with a recorded yield to date of over 12,300kgs milk and 890kgs milk solids. Bred by John and Bryan O’Connor, Kanturk, Co. Cork, she is a 13th generation VG/EX dam and is sired by Bacon Hill Hurricane.

The line up of cows and heifers in the ring for the Championship was a tremendous display of quality, and included Cedarmore Lambda Bazooka and Willsbro Lambda Galys Vray, both exhibited by John & Bryan O’Connor, Tubbertoby Lambda Mooju exhibited by Paul Flanagan, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth, Dondale Luster Fancy exhibited by PJ McGrath, Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow, in his debut as a dairy exhibitor at Tullamore Show, and Emerald Lambda Ashlyn exhibited by Daniel & Emer Curtin, Listowel, Co. Kerry.

The Tommy Finlay Spring Born Calf Class

This class, dedicated to the memory of Tommy Finlay of the Tarabella herd, one of the founding members of the Tullamore Show committee and Chairman of the Dairy Section from 1991 to 2022, had very strong support once again, with eleven entries. The rosettes for prize winners were presented by Ber Finlay, Tommy’s wife. As a thoughtful gesture, the Tullamore Show organising committee commissioned a new engraved timber bench seat in memory of and in tribute to Tommy. The bench seat took pride of place beside the show ring, for spectators to enjoy throughout the day.

FBD National Livestock Show Junior Championship, sponsored by the IHFA

Champion: Akeragh Sidekick Aideen 2334, exhibited by Daniel and Emer Curtin Reserve: Ellys Crossfire Rhapsody, exhibited by Steve McLoughlin Honourable Mention: Ellys Hulu Rhapsody, exhibited by Steve McLoughlin

Junior Champion Akeragh Sidekick Aideen 2334 rounded off a stellar achievement, having also won Champion Calf at the YMA National Calf Show three weeks previously. She also won 1st in the July to December calf class. She is a potential eighth generation VG/EX, and is sired by Walnutlawn Sidekick VG.

Steve McLoughlin achieved a highly commendable feat, exhibiting both Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention. Ellys Crossfire Rhapsody is a potential 15th generation VG/EX, sired by S S I Cascade Crossfire. Ellys Hulu Rhapsody is a potential 15th generation VG/EX, sired by Siemers Wolf Hulu 37006 ET.

YMA Showmanship League Results

Handlers aged 12 years and under on January 1st 2026 Sponsor: World Wide Sires 1st Georgina Hynes (Cork Club) 2nd Elsie Kelly (Laois Offaly Club) 3rd Aisling Murphy (Cork Club) 4th Anna McLoughney (Laois Offaly Club) 5th Aibhlin Cleary (Laois Offaly Club) 6th Izzy McLoughney (Laois Offaly Club)

Handlers aged 13 to 16 years on January 1st 2026 Sponsor: IHFA 1st Alex Windrum (Breffni Oriel Club) 2nd Kate Jones (Slaney Club) 3rd Lauren Doran (Galway Club) 4th Clodagh Kennelly (Kerry Club) 5th Stephen Harty (Kerry Club) 6th Cathal McLoughney (Laois Offaly Club)

Handlers aged 17 to 26 years on January 1st 2026 Sponsor: Volac Feed For Growth 1st Jennifer Harty (Kerry Club) 2nd Megan Boal (Galway Club) 3rd Aoife Prunty (Breffni Oriel Club) 4th Mary Conroy (Laois Offaly Club) 5th Kane Boal (Galway Club) 6th Jordan Donohoe (Laois Offaly Club)

Confined Classes

The Tullamore Show confined classes took place in sequence with the National Livestock Show classes. Entries to the confined classes are confined to breeders from Counties Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. First and second prize winners from the confined classes are eligible to compete in the age equivalent national classes.

Confined Heifer in Milk: Dock Chief Karen, exhibited by PJ Kelly, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath, won 1st and also Best Udder. Classified VG85, she is an eighth generation VG/EX dam, with a projected first lactation yield of 7,888kgs milk and 528kgs milk solids.

Confined Cow in Milk (calved twice or more): Reary Norah 507, exhibited by Kevin Flynn, Clonaslee, Co. Laois, won 1st and also Best Udder. Classified EX91 and calved since March, she has a projected fourth lactation yield of 9,887kgs milk and 681kgs milk solids.

Highest EBI Championships

Highest EBI Youngstock Championship (judged on conformation): 1st Seanacourt FR9702 Lavish, exhibited by Denis Donohoe, Ballylynan, Co. Laois. A smart September calf, she is bred from eleven generations of VG/EX dams, and her sire is Westcoast Almamater VG88.

Highest EBI In Milk Championship (judged on conformation): 1st Mullenbally Pepper Asil 18 VG86, exhibited by Michael Harte, Daingean, Co. Offaly. Bred from an EX90 2E dam and sired by Delaberge Pepper VG86, she is in her third lactation, calved since March, with a projected yield of 9,732kgs milk, 740kgs milk solids, 4.06% fat and 3.55% protein. This success was a great achievement for the Harte family, exhibiting a milker at the show for the very first time.

About the Show

The Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show is Ireland’s largest one day agricultural show. The venue is the impressive facility of the Butterfield Estate, and the hosting of the show on the premises is by kind permission of Johnny Butterfield, his daughter Anne Marie and her husband Stephen McQuade. Attendance on the day is estimated to have swelled to over 70,000, with a total prize fund of over €180,000 on offer to exhibitors. A large trade stand display of 740 commercial trade stands reflects the vibrancy and appeal of the show. Dignitaries in attendance included Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD and MEP Barry Cowen.

Full Class Results

Confined Pedigree Registered Calf born after 1st February 2026 (Sponsor: Munster Bovine) 1st Seanacourt FR9702 Abrakazoo, Denis Donohoe, Ballylynan, Co. Laois 2nd Monamore Einstein Darlene, Aisling Neville, Ballydaly, Tullamore 3rd Gageboro Rager Elsie, Séan & Tommy Kelly, Horseleap, Co. Offaly

The Tommy Finlay Spring Born Calf Class (calves born after 1st February 2026) (Sponsor: Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar) 1st Rathard Armour Essence, Hynes Family, Rathard, Co. Cork 2nd Kildarby Arrow Chris, Siomha Cleary, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary 3rd Desmond Sidekick Amber, Daniel & Emer Curtin, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Confined Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer born after 1st January 2026 (Sponsor: Gurteen Agricultural College) 1st Grangecon Haniko Iowa, Elaine Hickey, Tang, Co. Westmeath 2nd Gageboro Hulu Anna Red, Sean & Tommy Kelly, Horseleap, Co. Offaly 3rd Gageboro Sidekick Victory, Sean & Tommy Kelly, Horseleap, Co. Offaly

National Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer born after 1st January 2026 (Sponsor: Abbey Machinery) 1st Ellys Hulu Rhapsody, Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare 2nd Rathard Skick Acclaim, Hynes Family, Rathard, Co. Cork 3rd Leagh Good Vibes Only ET, Doran family, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

Confined Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer born 1st July to 31st December 2025 (Sponsor: Bó Sires) 1st Seanacourt FR9702 Lavish, Denis Donohoe, Ballylynan, Co. Laois 2nd Ellys Chief Koba, Sean & Tommy Kelly, Horseleap, Co. Offaly 3rd Monamore DBox Dawn, PJ Kelly, Rahanine, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

National Holstein Friesian Heifer born 1st July to 31st December 2025 (Sponsor: Keenan Alltech) 1st Akeragh Sidekick Aideen 2334, Daniel & Emer Curtin, Listowel, Co. Kerry 2nd Ellys Crossfire Rhapsody, Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare 3rd Ellys LSM Bullseye Lustre, Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare

Confined Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer born 1st February to 30th June 2025 (Sponsor: Lely Ireland) 1st Seanacourt FR9778 Susie Mist, Denis Donohoe, Ballylynan, Co. Laois 2nd Limetree Jean 942, Aisling Neville, Ballydaly, Tullamore

National Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer born 1st January to 30th June 2025 1st Slatabogie Alpha Mahogany, Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare 2nd Leagh Dropbox Hanina ET, Doran family, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon 3rd Sprucegrove Some Magic Peggy, Keypoint Holsteins, Tuam, Co. Galway

National Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian In Calf Heifer (Sponsor: Eurogene AI Services) 1st Grangecon Mirand Paradise P, Anthony Kealy, Grangecon, Co. Wicklow 2nd Leagh Dropbox Hanina ET, Doran family, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon 3rd Grangecon S Time Paradise, Anthony Kealy, Grangecon, Co. Wicklow

Confined Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Heifer in Milk (Sponsor: Celtic Sea Minerals) 1st Dock Chief Karen, PJ Kelly, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath 2nd Reary Heather 19, Kevin Flynn, Clonaslee, Co. Laois 3rd Rochfort Renegade Raven, PJ Kelly, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath

National Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian 2 Year Old Heifer in Milk born after 1st January 2024 (Sponsor: J. Grennan & Sons) 1st Cedarmore Lambda Bazooka, John & Bryan O’Connor, Kanturk, Co. Cork 2nd Tubbertoby Lambda Mooju, Paul Flanagan, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth 3rd Slatabogie Simplicity Bertolli Red, Liam & Sandra Murphy, Fenagh, Co. Carlow

Super €2,500 National Holstein Friesian Heifer in Milk (Sponsor: TP Whelehan Crop Protection) 1st Cedarmore Hurricane Tory, Paul Murphy & Emma Behan, Mallow, Co. Cork 2nd Dondale 2586 Luster Fancy, PJ McGrath, Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow 3rd Cedarmore Handsome Lizzie, John & Bryan O’Connor, Kanturk, Co. Cork

Confined Pedigree Registered Cow, calved twice or more (Sponsor: Peake Dairy Services) 1st Reary Norah 507, Kevin Flynn, Clonaslee, Co. Laois 2nd Mullenbally Pepper Casio 80, Michael Harte, Daingean, Co. Offaly 3rd Lemrac Montross Babs, Aisling Neville, Ballydaly, Tullamore

National Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Cow in Milk, calved twice (Sponsor: Devenish Nutrition) 1st Emerald Lambda Ashlyn, Daniel & Emer Curtin, Listowel, Co. Kerry 2nd Willsbro Lambda Galys Vray, John & Bryan O’Connor, Kanturk, Co. Cork 3rd Monamore Hanans Papoose, PJ McGrath, Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow

National €2,800 FBD National Livestock Show Senior Cow in Milk (Sponsor: Lakeland Dairies) 1st Coolroehouse Abbott Ann, Paul Murphy & Emma Behan, Mallow, Co. Cork 2nd Peak Solo Rhapsody, Steve McLoughlin, Ellistown, Co. Kildare 3rd Tubbertoby Unix Minutemaid, Paul Flanagan, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth

Best Pair of Pedigree Registered Holstein Friesian Females, owned by the same exhibitor (Sponsor: Cowcare Systems, Healions Machinery Ltd) 1st Paul Murphy & Emma Behan, Mallow, Co. Cork 2nd John & Bryan O’Connor, Kanturk, Co. Cork 3rd PJ McGrath, Stratford on Slaney, Co. Wicklow