Crowds flocked to a sunny Kanturk in Co. Cork for the 2026 Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) annual open day.

The Cedarmore Holstein herd operated by Bryan and John O’Connor hosted the event this year.

IHFA chief Laurence Feeney described the prestigious award-winning herd as a ‘master class’ in terms of pedigree breeding.

The O’Connors previously welcomed Agriland to their farm to give them an overview of the operation, which can be found here.

On the day, the public had an opportunity to view the O’Connors impressive set up.

There were also stock judging classes, competition results for the National Herds Competition, as well as interclub stock judging prizes.

In addition, the event hosted over 80 trade exhibition stands covering every sector of agriculture, while the day rounded out with an impressive ‘Breeder’s Dream’ sale.

The event was officially opened by former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

IHFA open day

Results from the interclub stock judging in the 12-18 years-of-age category sponsored by FBD are as follows:

Breffni/Oriel Club – Lucy Greenan, Zoe Greenan, and Mark Gilliland;
Cork Club -Kate Lehane, Conor Ahern, and Samantha Hickey;
Kerry Club – Stephen Harty, Nathan Horgan, and Padraic McGelligot.

The highest individual in this category and the best set of reasons both went to Lucy Greenan of the Brefni-Oriel club.

Results from the interclub stock judging in the 18-26 years-of-age category sponsored by Lely are as follows:

Cork Club – Sarah Shannon, Conor Lehane, and Adrian Crowley;
Kerry Club – Jennifer Harty, Aisling Harty, and Muiris Harty;
Carlow/Kilkenny Club – Pauric Coleman, Conor Gibbons, and Amy Roche.

The highest individual award in this category as well as best reasons both went to Pauric Coleman of the Carlow/Kilkenny Club.

Results from the interclub stock judging in the over-27 years-of-age category sponsored by EasyFix are as follows:

Carlow/Kilkenny Club – John Ryan, Pat Murphy, and Padraic Murphy;
Cork Club – John O’Sullivan, Peter Kingston, and Darragh Sheehy;
Laois/Offaly Club – Sean Kelly, Aisling Neville, and Richard Hamilton.

The highest individual in this category alongside best reasons both went to Sean Kelly of the Laois/Offaly Club.

Alexander Tinney from Donegal won the Open Stock Judging category on the day.

In the national herds competition for 2026, the winners were also announced in each of the sections.

The spring section results are as follows:

Edward Cosgrove of the Toberfort herd;
Michael Spillane Mountain herd;
Donal Murphy of the Roovesmore herd.

In the under-80 section, the results are as follows:

Darragh Curtain of the Greenlawn herd;
Robert Shannon of the Ballydehob herd;
Brendan Mennis of the Boynevale herd.

In the over-80 section, the results are as follows:

Brochan and Joe Cocoman of the Kilwarden herd;
Philip Jones of the Hallow herd;
Jason Helen of the Eedy herd.

In the Judges Choice awards, the following herds picked up first, second, and third;

Brochan and Joe Cocoman;
Philip Jones;
Jason Helen.

The Judges Recognition award went to Eedy Doorman Fame of the Eedy herd.

The highest Economic Breeding Index (EBI) cow award went to the Smallacre Apricot JRE from the Smallacre Herd run by Colm O’Sullivan.

The highest classified EBI cow award went to Olcastletown Yvonne Anglelica EX91 from the Olcastletown herd by Robert Drake.

IHFA open day

Related Stories

A look inside this year’s IHFA open day host farm

Dairy focus: 650kg MS/cow and infrastructure in Wicklow

Award-winning Thurles dairy farm draws big crowd for milk quality walk

Alan Savory

'Cattle should be considered part of the solution to global warming'