Countdown underway to Emerald Expo in Co. Cavan tomorrow (2025)

The much-anticipatedEmerald Expo returns for the 13th time to the Virginia Show Centre in Co. Cavan, tomorrow (Saturday, April 26).

The all-dairy breeds cattle show is one of the calendar highlights for breeders and there is also a substantial prize fund on offer.

A livestream is available if you want to follow the handler championship, Junior Championship, Coloured Breed Championship, Coloured Breed Senior Championship, Intermediate Championship and the Senior Championship tomorrow.

To kick off the Emerald Expo, the first of the classes will start at 8:30 am and will be jam packed with classes until the much anticipated Senior Championship at 4:15 pm.

The prestigious all-dairy-breeds cattle show marks the very first event of the Irish show season, offering exhibitors and attendees an exciting start to 2025.

With a substantial prize fund and a lineup of top-quality cattle, the event promises to be a highlight for breeders and industry professionals alike.

Emerald Expo

The Emerald Expo is proudly sponsored by FBD Insurance, with additional support from the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and Tirlán.

With seven championship classes, the competition is highly competitive, and breeders across Ireland, including Northern Ireland, will be competing for top honours.

One of the standout events of the show is the Emerald Expo youngstock confined class, open exclusively to breeders from IHFA club areas, including Breffni Oriel, North Eastern, West Midlands, and Donegal.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the Emerald Expo senior championship, where the best of the best will battle it out to take home the prestigious Seamus Kelly memorial perpetual trophy.

The Virginia Show Centre offers excellent facilities, ensuring that exhibitors, competitors, and visitors receive a warm welcome.

Its convenient location makes it easily accessible for everyone, adding to the event’s appeal to a broad range of participants.

This years judge for the 2025 Emerald Expo is Andrew Cope hailing from the renowned Huddlesford Herd in Staffordshire, Andrew is a third-generation farmer with a deep-rooted passion for the Holstein breed.

Andrew’s judging credentials are impeccable as he is a respected member of the UK Judges Panel, the European Judges Panel, and the Brown Swiss UK Panel, he has judged major events across Spain, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, and the UK.

Online sale and social aspect

For the second consecutive year, the Emerald Expo elite online sale will take place over the show weekend, providing breeders with another platform to market their top-quality cattle.

This sale is facilitated by Denis Barrett Auctions, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for buyers and sellers alike.

Besides the competitions and sales, the Emerald Expo is a social and educational gathering for dairy breeders and industry professionals.

Visitors can explore the latest agricultural products and services, making it a prime opportunity for networking and business development.

Admission is free on show day, and everyone is welcome on the day. If you can’t make tomorrow’s show, make sure to follow the action by clicking the link below.