The first day of the AXA National Dairy Show took place today (Friday, October 11) at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork.

This year marks the 42nd time the show has been held, with a large crowd present for the initial day of the popular event.

The showing got underway with the national finals of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) Young Members Association (YMA) showmanship league.

The handlers qualified at shows during the year to compete at Millstreet; these classes were judged by Leiza Montgomery from Co. Down, who was at the centre of the ring for the showmanship league finals.

As well as being an experienced judge, Leiza has had much success in the showmanship ring, including qualifying for the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show 11 times.

This success culminated in Reserve Champion All Britain Handler 2012 and two Honourble Mentions in the All Britain Handler.

The top three from each class are named below:

Class A: Handler aged 12 years and under on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey calf:

Zoe Greenan;
Eva Hickey;
Georgie Hynes.

Class B: Handler aged 13 to 16 years on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey calf:

Will Jones;
Becky Hynes;
Jennifer Harty.

Class C: Handler aged 17 to 26 years inclusive on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or a Jersey calf:

Rachel Corley;
Hannah Greenan;
Manus Murphy.

There were also two handler classes, which were judged by Niels Erik Haahr of the Anderstrup Herd in Denmark.

Anderstrup Holsteins is recognised as the source of numerous top artificial insemination (AI) bulls used throughout Europe.

The Anderstrup Herd, comprising 540 cows, boasts an impressive average production of 17,052kg of milk with 3.82% fat and 3.5% protein, earning the distinction of being Europe’s top production herd in 2022.

The champion novice handler selected by Haahr was Stephen Harty from Kerry.

Reserve was awarded to Abbie Duffy, with Lauren Doran selected as honourable mention.

The top three from the novice handling classes are named below:

Class 1: Novice Handler aged under 12 on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or Jersey calf born in 2024:

Abbie Duffy;
Andrea Deane;
Patrick Dillon.

Class 2: Novice Handler aged 12 to 18 years inclusive on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or a Jersey calf:

Stephen Harty;
Niamh Murphy;
Kate Jones.

Class 2A: Novice Handler aged 12 to 18 years inclusive on the January 1, 2024, exhibiting a Holstein or a Jersey calf:

Lauren Doran;
Alex Windrum;
Amy Roche.

The junior Jersey classes also took place today at the AXA National Dairy Show with Haahr selecting Pilmorepride Chocochip Moll, exhibited by Pat Aherne as his Junior Jersey Champion.

She is sired by Avonlea Chocochip ET and her dam is Pilmorepride Jordan Moll

Reserve champion went to Ballyelan Chrome Louise 4127, exhibited by Tom Lynch and Liam O'Neill.

She is sired by River Valley Cece Chrome-ET and her dam is Ballyelan Joel Louise.

Honourable mention went to Ballythomas Gorgeous Girl , exhibited by Eamonn McLoughney - she is sired by Elitestreet Vindicator and her dam is Cloonboygher Gilly.

A full list of Jersey class winners are outlined below:

Class 3J: Jersey heifer born on or after January 1, 2024:

Pilmorepride Chocochip Moll exhibited by Pat Ahern;
Massrock Explore Daisy exhibited by Lehane family;
Rathard Choco Khaleesi exhibited by Hynes family.

Best exhibitor bred animal was awarded to Ballyelan Victor Louise 4205 which was exhibited by Tom Lynch.

Highest EBI award in this class went to Rathard Choco Khaleesi which was exhibited by the Hynes family.

Class 4J: Jersey heifer born before December 31, 2023, not in milk:

Ballyelan Chrome Louise 4127 exhibited by Tom Lynch and Liam O'Neill;
Ballythomas Gorgeous Girl exhibited by Eamonn McLoughney;
Shanawayhill Right Amberlight exhibited by Christy McCarthy.

The best exhibitor award in this class went to Ballyelan Chrome Louise 4127 which was exhibited by Tom Lynch and Liam O'Neill.

The highest EBI heifer in this class went to Ballythomas Gorgeous Girl which was exhibited by Eamonn McLoughney.