The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic performance of 2 genetic groups of Holstein-Friesian cows based on the Irish national dairy index, the Economic Breeding Index (EBI). Data were available from 2013 to 2016. Ninety ELITE cows representative of the top 1% and 45 National Average (NA) cows, representative of the mean nationally; EBI €249 and €133, respectively (www.ICBF.com, April 2016), were evaluated annually across 3 contrasting seasonal pasture-based feeding treatments; Control, High Concentrate and Low Grass Allowance. All cows were parity 1 in 2013, 33.3% parity 1 and 66.6% parity 2 in 2014, in 2015, 27% of animals were parity 1, 27% parity 2 and 46% parity 3, and in 2016 27% of animals were parity 1, 20% parity 2, 20% parity 3 and 33% parity 4. Milk volume 5757kg v 5979kg was significantly lower (P = 0.0003) but milk fat (45.2g/kg v 42.2g/kg) and milk protein content (37.4g/kg v 35.5g/kg) was significantly higher with ELITE compared with NA, respectively. Milk solids (fat plus protein) yield was significantly higher (P = 0.05), and milk value was significantly higher (P = 0.02) with ELITE cows (473 kg and €1988) compared with NA cows (465 kg and €1947). Elite cows maintained higher body condition score (2.94 v 2.75; P < 0.001) throughout lactation. Pregnancy rate to first service (60% v 46%; P < 0.002), 6-week in-calf rate (73% v 58%; P < 0.0004) and 13-week in-calf rate (92% v 81%; P < 0.0002) was higher, and number of services (1.57 v 1.78; P < 0.009) was lower for ELITE compared with NA. Based on the 4 years data there was no genotype × feeding treatment interaction implying a similar milk response to additional concentrate and similar reduction in milk yield due to a lower grass allowance expressed by both genotypes. The results obtained provide confidence to the Irish dairy industry that genetic selection based on EBI delivers more productive and more fertile dairy cows. In addition, the study confirms that the decline in fertility evidenced in the Holstein-Friesian population, caused by selection mostly for milk production, may be reversed when appropriate selection pressure on suitable fertility traits is applied while simultaneously improving production.