Michael McGrath will open FBD National Dairy Show

Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will conduct the formal opening of the FBD National Dairy Show. The event will be held at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, County Cork, and is entering its 44th year.

McGrath is from Cork and represented Cork South Central as a TD from 2007 until 2024. Before taking up his European role, he served as Minister for Finance and as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. His former constituency office in Carrigaline is located in an area with extensive dairy farming.

A spokesperson for the Irish Holstein Friesian Association said farmers had approached McGrath directly during protests in 2023 over the reduction of the nitrates derogation. In his present position, McGrath has spoken about support for the Common Agricultural Policy within the European Commission.

McGrath was recently pictured with Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, and Martin Heydon, the Minister for Agriculture, at the National Ploughing Championships. Last year’s dairy show was opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, another politician from County Cork.

The programme will include competitions involving handlers and cattle on the main arena. Organisers also describe the event’s trade exhibition as Ireland’s largest specialised dairy exhibition. The Rispoval Calf Village will return for a third consecutive year, giving the show another dedicated feature for visitors.

The National Dairy Innovation Awards are due to be held on Friday evening. The awards will highlight new products in the agricultural sector. The show will open to the public at 2pm on Friday, and tickets will be sold at the venue. Children will be admitted free, according to the organisers’ visitor information.