THE 2017 Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix league kicks off this weekend, as Ballylawn Show in Co Waterford hosts round one of the hugely popular series on bank holiday Monday, May 1st.

The Munster Region of Showjumping Ireland this week confirmed that Connolly’s Red Mills will continue their sponsorship of the Munster Grand Prix League for the eighth year since its commencement in 2010.

Munster Grand Prix 2016 Champion Paul Beecher said: “It is vital that we continue to invest in our home shows. It’s critical that we hold our identity.

“As a nation we are renowned for our horses and riders and it’s so important that these leagues are put in place to give riders a platform to produce their horses. We greatly appreciate the support from Connolly’s Red Mills which helps keep the Munster Grand Prix League going.”

The Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand League fills a big gap between the 1.20m and the 1.50m classes.

This year’s Munster Region Grand Prix League will consist of close to 20 1.35m classes which support the industry by creating a market within the 1.35m height band.

Munster Region representative, Gerard Murphy, commented: “There is €2,000 to play for at each leg with the first event taking place in Ballylawn on Monday. I want to wish all competitors the best of luck throughout the league.”

Sales and Marketing Director at Connolly’s Red Mills, Gareth Connolly, said: “We have supported the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix League from the very start.

“Like so many of our sponsorships, we look to identify areas within the sport where we can make a valuable contribution back to the customers who support our business.”

The final of the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Region Grand Prix League will take place at Cork’s Maryville Stables in September.

Also starting this Monday at Ballylawn show is the 360Equine.ie - Precision Joint Solution Plus - 1.20m class in the Munster series.

Generously supported by managing partner of 360Equine.ie, Tim Murray, the 1.20m series runs until September. The next leg of the series is at Kingdom County Fair, Tralee, Sunday, May 7th.