WATERFORD’s Paul Beecher was crowned 2016 Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix League champion for the first time, following the conclusion of the series at Banteer Gymkhana last Sunday.

Beecher, a native of Tallow, had been involved in a battle with fellow Waterford rider Francis Connors, who was looking to defend the title he has won for the last three years in a row.

Beecher accumulated a total of 73 league points with the Seryna Van Kuelen-owned gelding Danqu, who, at just eight, looks to have a bright future in the sport. The pair scored four wins in total: at Kingdom County (Kerry), Ballinamona (Waterford), Maryville (Cork) and at the Limerick/Clare branch show.

Connors finished just three points behind in the runners-up spot on the league table with Capitol Cruis and also filled third place with Uskerty Diamond Lady. The Waterford pair really dominated the series, with Paul Beecher finishing fourth overall with Loughnatousa Eric and Connors taking fifth place with Newmarket Clare Lady. Tralee’s Maura Counihan took sixth place on the league table with Coral Du Carel.

Co Cork’s Timmy Doyle was crowed leading Young Rider of the series after several prize-winning performances during the season.

The final round of the Connolly’s Red Mills-sponsored league took place at Banteer Gymkhana, at a new venue, St. Joseph’s Foundation’s Liskennett Farm in Granagh, Co. Limerick, the benefactors of funds raised at Banteer.

Tipperary’s Liam O’Meara produced a perfect double clear round score a win with Mr Coolcaum. They had just over two seconds to spare over runner-up Carolin Huuva riding Caspian. League winner Paul Beecher slotted into third with Loughnatousa Eric, while Maura Counihan and Dicksgrove Silver came home in fourth, with one of four double clear rounds. Patrick Joyce Piltown S finished fifth, while Tadhg Beecher and Loughnatousa Sheldon completed the top six.

Sales and marketing director at Connolly’s Red Mills, Gareth Connolly, said: “I would like to congratulate Paul Beecher and Danqu on a superb achievement in winning the series this year. They, along with all the competitors throughout the season, provided us with some thrilling competitions, with the result still in doubt until the final leg in Banteer.”

Overall 2016

League result

2016 Champion: Paul Beecher and Danqu 73 points

Runner-up: Francis Connors and Capitol Cruis 70 points

Leading Young Rider: Timmy Doyle