Apr, 2022
Munster Showjumping today launched the Connolly’s RED MILLS Munster Grand Prix Series ahead of the opening leg this weekend at Ballylawn Show. This is the 12th year of the series which travels the length and breadth of Munster throughout the Summer months. The brainchild of Jerry Sweetnam, it was Jerry who recognised that there was a gap in the programme that needed to be filled at 1m35 to allow horses to take that step up to the higher levels.
This year RED MILLS along with their sister brand Foran Equine and Carr & Day & Martin will provide prizes throughout the series and league final. Carr & Day & Martin will also shine a spotlight on the grooms who care for the horses day-in-day-out by providing a best-turned-out prize at each leg.
Tony Hurley, Chairperson of Munster Showjumping said; “This year we have 12, or even more shows who will hold qualifiers. 2019 was the last time we seen agricultural shows and it is great to have them back. It’s been 3 years since they ran and Covid took over.
Jane Davis, Connolly’ RED MILLS Equine Marketing Manager said; It is a great opportunity for RED MILLS to support the Munster region. It is a great opportunity to see these horses come through the league and make the step up to 1m35. It is such an important stepping stone for both horses and so many young riders who we have seen come through the league over the years.
Francis Connors, RED MILLS Ambassador and multiple RED MILLS Munster Grand Prix League Winner said; Over the last 12 years since the Munster grand prix started there has been a huge amount of horses that have come through the league who have went on to do bigger and better things all over the world. I myself love it as it is such a good stepping stone for the younger horses to get up to the top level.
Timmy Doyle, Showjumper said; The series is hugely important. There is a lot of jumping and it prepares the horses for bigger shows such as Dublin as they have gotten all the experience from the RED MILLS Munster Grand Prix series. It is very daunting for riders to start off on their own, the series provides a lot of opportunities to compete alongside some of the top riders such as Francis, Seamus, Paul and all them.
2022 League Dates |
|
| Date | Venue |
| 1st May | Ballylawn Show |
| 14th/15th May | Sceilig |
| 28th May | Limerick Clare Show |
| 12th June | Killeagh Show |
| 18th/19th June | Cork Summer Show |
| 25th/26th June | Charleville Show |
| 10th July | Dungarvan Show |
| 15th/16th July | Maryville |
| 28th August | Dualla |
| 11th September | Cork Kerry Show |
| Final | Banteer |
League Winners |
|
| Year | Overall Winner |
| 2021 | Robyn Moran |
| 2019 | Robyn Moran |
| 2018 | Francis Connors |
| 2017 | Francis Connors |
| 2016 | Paul Beecher |
| 2015 | Francis Connors |
| 2014 | Francis Connors |
| 2013 | Francis Connors |
| 2012 | Seamus Hayes |
| 2011 | Seamus Hayes |
| 2010 | Ger O’Neill |
