Dalevalle OT1 J Lulu crowned finest Dairy Cow in Ireland
A father and son team, Eugene and Sean Murphy from Waterfall in Co. Cork was selected as the 2011 Baileys® Irish Champion Competition by Iwan Morgan at the Virginia Agricultural Show in County Cavan on Saturday 30 July. Dalevalle OT1 J Lulu, is a six year old cow that beat 24 other bovine beauties from across the four provinces. The competition recognises good body conformation with proven excellence in milk production and it is the first time that the Murphy family has won this prestigious competition which dates back to 1983.
Commenting on his selection, competition judge, Iwan said: "It has been an ambition of mine to follow in my father’s footsteps and judge this competition. All of the cows at this event were remarkable but the sheer power and capacity of the winner and in particular that incredible udder gave her the edge."
Dalevalle OT1 J Lulu has had four calves and produced 12,007 kgs of milk in her last lactation (approximately 2,500 gallons.) She was bred in Donegal in the North of Ireland, in the Dale Valley herd, owned by Roy Cromie and was purchased by the Murphy’s as a heifer-in-milk.. She is the daughter of sire, Astronomical and dam Dale Valley Cousteau Lulu. She adds the title of Baileys Irish Champion to her recent success at the Cork Show.
Hallow Lheros Indian Ink owned by Mervyn & Philip Jones from Gorey, Co. Wexford was declared Reserve Champion. Honourable Mention went to Co Wicklow farmer, John Hurley for his cow, Clonpaddin Goldwyn Fanta. Other prizes were awarded in specialist categories for breeders that travelled to Virginia from as far afield as Co Kerry and Co Down to compete including Richard Jones from Co Wexford and Roy Crombie of Co Donegal for a jointly owned Best Dry Cow winner, Ardnasalem Kite Lulu 2; the Co. Dublin farmers Mervyn Eager & Cyril Dowling took Best Heifer-in-Milk with Baldonnel Goldwyn Star; and father and daughter entrants, Ivan & Louise Robinson from Co. Down won Best Protein and Best EBI with Glaslough Charles Fancy.
Speaking at the event, Irish Minister of State for Agriculture, Shane McEntee T.D. said: "This is a much anticipated event among pedigree breeders and its success can be attributed to the fact that it rewards animals with good commercial milk production, outstanding appearance and show ring characteristics."
Widely acknowledged as Ireland’s most prestigious dairy livestock event, the €9,000 prize fund is sponsored by Baileys® Irish Cream and its cream supplier Glanbia Ingredients. Glanbia Chairman Liam Herlihy added: "Baileys and Glanbia’s relationship with the cream of the Holstein Friesian breed is now firmly established through this event. We are delighted to be able to support its continued success."
