The competition was fiercely fought as 20 entrants from across the Republic put themselves on display at Virginia, Co Cavan.
In the end, victory went to a contestant from Cavan, which was adjudged to be the Baileys All-Ireland Dairy Cow Champion of 2003.
The animal goes under the pedigree name of Grousehall Form Rhoda.
Master Judge Mr Ian Montgomery, a highly successful cattle breeder from the UK, told the large crowd that Rhoda was "everything a young cow should be".
He spoke of the fine lines of her body and the depth of her frontquarters and expressed himself delighted with her.
With their county sashes proudly around their necks, the contestants from Sligo, Cork, Cavan, Wexford, Louth, Wicklow and Meath competed for a first prize of €8,000 in what is the leading competition of its kind held on this island.
The winner, bred and shown by Gene and Ronan O'Reilly, of Grousehall, Loughduff, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, was greeted with delight by the crowds which were packed 10-deep around the show-ring.
The reserve champion was named as Monashee Leo Lady, who was shown by Cyril Dowling, of Kingswood Farm, Baldonnell, Co Dublin.
The attendance included the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith.
The competition for dairy cows is held annually as part of Virginia Show.