The 81st Virginia Show has officially kicked off today.
The event is one of the most anticipated shows of the year, and will include the crowning of the Bailey's Champion Cow, which is one of the most sought after titles in Europe. Patrick Gaynor is one of the Committee Member's at the Virginia Show. Speaking live on the Joe Finnegan show from Virginia this morning, he says it's always a special moment to see the show get underway
"You summed it up there, the work has been done. The stewards have been in place for the last couple of days doing their work and we've just been waiting for it to happen. It's a lovely day out in Virginia so anyone who's out there, come along and enjoy the day".
Meanwhile exhibitors and competitors are travelling from all over the country to compete in various categories. Adrian O'Driscoll has entered one of his cows in the Bailey's Champion Cow competition. The farmer from Timoleague in West Cork says the Virginia Show is a great chance to see competition and share knowledge with others from all corners of Ireland
"It's your pride and joy like your family and your kids. I've three girls with my great partner at home. My animals are my pride and joy as well. I suppose you want to see the other farmers as well who made such an effort to come here and again just to be in their presence and company and the calibre of stock. Just to be in there presence alone you can see then the quality of your own animals against them".
