Irish Holstein Friesian Association

02/06/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧… 👀

The Summer Journal 2026 is nearly here ☀️📖

Inside this issue:
🍀A look ahead to this summer’s key events, including National Open Day
🐄2026 Focus Farmer updates
📊The Top 50 Milk Solids Production Herds
🧬 Updates on breeding, genetics & herd improvement
📅 Summer calendar of shows, YMA events & more

Stay tuned… you won’t want to miss this one 👀

06/05/2026

🏆 𝐅𝐁𝐃 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 🏆

The IHFA is delighted to announce 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲, Monamore herd, Drogheda, Co. Louth as a very deserving recipient of the National Hall of Fame Award, presented at their annual awards night on Sunday 3rd of May.

Founded in 1979 at Philipstown, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Monamore has become one of Ireland’s most respected Holstein Friesian herds, renowned for breeding excellence and genetic impact. The Monamore herd has won the IHFA National Herds Competition nine times, most recently in 2022, and has to date produced 17 bulls for National AI use.

Tom is widely respected internationally for his breeding knowledge, judging expertise, and leadership, having served as IHFA Chairman, represented breeders at Holstein UK & Ireland, contributed to the development of ICBF, and serving as board member and Chairman of Progressive Genetics.

With the dispersal of the Monamore herd in 2026, a remarkable chapter closes for the Kelly family. Tom’s lifetime of dedication, leadership, and achievement makes this National Hall of Fame Award a richly deserved honour.

The IHFA would like to congratulate Tom on the occasion of his National Hall of Fame award, and wish him, Rhona and family the very best for the future!

30/04/2026

28/04/2026

🏆 Emerald Expo 2026 – Show Report & Full Results🏆

What a fantastic day at Emerald Expo 2026, with outstanding quality on display across all classes and incredible competition throughout.

Huge congratulations to all exhibitors, handlers, and winners who made this year’s show such a success.

👏 A special well done to all the champions and class winners, and to the young handlers who once again proved the future of IHFA & YMA is in great hands!!!

👉 View the full results below

Well done and a massive thank you to everyone involved — breeders, sponsors, judges, and organisers — for another memorable show to kick off the 2026 season ✨🐄💥

The 2026 Emerald Expo all dairy breeds cattle show took place in the Virginia Show Centre Co. Cavan on Saturday April 25th. Title sponsor is FBD Insurance with the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, Tirlán and the IHFA as associate sponsors. It was an action-packed event, with a full itin...

28/04/2026

25/04/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍 𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄

Your 2026 Emerald Expo SUPREME CHAMPION
COOLROEHOUSE ABBOTT ANN from Paul Murphy & Emma Behan

Reserve: EURO SHOWTIME MERRILL from Daniel & Emer Curtin
Honorable Mention: TUBBERTOBY BAROLO JOY EX 90 1E from Paul, Margeurite & Matthew Flanagan

Congratulations to all - what a show to start the season! 👏✨🍾

David Wright Emma Behan Paul Murphy

25/04/2026

Emerald Expo Supreme Champion Sponsored by FBD
Champion: COOLROEHOUSE ABBOTT ANN - Paul Murphy & Emma Behan
Reserve: EURO SHOWTIME MERRILL - Daniel & Emer Curtin
Honorable Mention: TUBBERTOBY BAROLO JOY EX 90 1E - Paul, Margeurite & Matthew Flanagan

25/04/2026

Emerald Expo Premier Breeder & Premier Exhibitor Sponsored by Tirlán
Premier Breeder & Exhibitor: Philip Jones

25/04/2026

Emerald Expo Exhibitor Bred Champion Sponsored by IHFA
Exhibitor Champion: EURO SHOWTIME MERRILL - Daniel & Emer Curtin