The sun was out in force for the 2015 TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix & Premier Series launch which also hosted the inaugural presentation to Showjumping Ireland’s Roll of Honour recipients. A capacity list of guests attended the historic McKee Barracks, training grounds of the Army Equitation School.
The days preceding’s began with a photo shoot in front of the Mess building with members of the Army Equitation School on horseback along with Managing Director of TRM Raoul Masterson, Tom Mac Guinness, Managing Director of Horseware Ireland and SJI Chairman, Tony Hurley.
This is TRM’s 5th year of sponsoring the TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix and Premier Series leagues. 2013 saw the introduction of Horseware as a dual sponsor, two strong multi-national brands who are leaders in their respective fields. The value of the agreement is worth in the region of €150k.
“The association with Horseware and Showjumping Ireland, which is in place until 2017, mirrors TRM’s ethos of supporting Irish talent. Each year both leagues get stronger and last year the riders provided us with some thrilling displays of horsemanship, a trend we hope will continue. The National Grand Prix Series and Premier Series provide a vital bridge between domestic competition and international success, and we believe that these competitions assist Ireland’s continuing Show Jumping success’’, Managing Director of TRM, Raoul Masterson.
The National Grand Prix and Premier Series provides a vital stepping stone from domestic competition to the international stage. The Premier Series in particular is crucial as a points gathering scheme for qualification to the Dublin Horse Show in August.
Tom MacGuinness of Horseware commented, ‘’Horseware are committed to the National Grand Prix and Premier Series. We have had a strong working relationship with TRM over the past number of years and look forward to the season ahead’’.
2015 sees the introduction of a dedicated hashtag #followtheleague and it is hoped that all participants and followers of this year’s series will share their images, news and favourite moments. The TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix and Premier Series kicks off at Louth County Show 25th of April.
Showjumping Ireland celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year and in honour of this milestone, the National Chairman Tony Hurley and National Executive Committee decided to nominate 60 people, who over the years greatly contributed to the success of the Association and the sport in general.
To the younger members of Showjumping Ireland, 1954 seems like pre-history, although for many members who attended the inaugural Showjumping Ireland Roll of Honour at McKee Barracks, it only felt like yesterday.
The honouree guests were treated to an awards ceremony held in the iconic Mess Hall of McKee Barracks. Brendan McArdle was on hand as MC who started the proceedings with a look back over the past 60 years of Showjumping Ireland and its achievements.
Chairman Tony Hurley commented, ‘’This is an historic day for the Association as we honour those who have given outstanding service and dedication to Showjumping Ireland over the past 60 years. This is the first honouree presentation and we look forward to those who will be enlisted to the Roll of Honour over the coming years’’.
Specially commissioned certificates were presented to each of the recipients; those unable to attend were represented by family members and friends. With military precision Sergeant Pat Golding and his team served an array of the Barrack’s finest finger food and wines.
As the evening came to a close, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Mc Sweeney led the honouree guests to the Army Equitation School for a guided tour where Comdt. Tom Freyene entertained the guests to a demonstration in the Indoor School.