EU Commissioner set to open this year’s premier dairy event in Millstreet.

By Rachel Thompson, IHFA Marketing and Digital Engagement Lead

Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will perform the official opening of the FBD National Dairy Show this year. The show takes place on the 9th and 10th of October at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork.

A Cork native, McGrath was TD for Cork South Central from 2007 to 2024. He previously served as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

His former constituency office in Carrigaline sits in the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest dairy farming areas. During his time as Minister for Finance, he was among the ministers approached directly by dairy farmers protesting the reduction in the nitrates derogation in 2023, a decision that forced many Cork farmers to cut stock numbers.

More recently, in his current role as EU Commissioner, he has spoken on the strength of support for the Common Agricultural Policy within the European Commission. He was pictured alongside EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon at the National Ploughing Championships.

Now in its 44th year, the show will see Mark Logan judge cattle and Jane Steel judge handlers. The show also features Ireland’s largest specialised dairy trade exhibition, the Rispoval Calf Village, and the National Dairy Innovation Award.

Gates open at 2pm on Friday, with tickets available at the gate and children going free. Further information, including the full programme, is available at nationaldairyshow.ie, or by following the National Dairy Show on Facebook and Instagram.