DUAL sponsors Horseware and TRM have committed to providing support to the tune of €150,000 to the National Grand Prix and Premier Series up to 2017.

Combining the launch of the 2015 TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix and Premier Series with a new Roll of Honour initiative, Showjumping Ireland hosted guests at the McKee Barracks, training grounds of the Army Equitation School, on Thursday.

This will be TRM’s fifth year of sponsoring the TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix and Premier Series leagues, while Horseware joined the series in 2013.

“The association with Horseware and Showjumping Ireland, which is in place until 2017, mirrors TRM’s ethos of supporting Irish talent. 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,” said TRM managing director Raoul Masterson.

The Premier Series acts as a points gathering league for qualification to the Dublin Horse Show in August.

Tom MacGuinness of Horseware said: “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.”

The TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix and Premier Series kicks off at Louth County Show on April 25th.

This year sees the introduction of a dedicated hashtag, #followtheleague, through which Showjumping Ireland hopes participants and followers of this year’s series will share their images, news and favourite moments.

SJI celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and in honour of this milestone, chairman Tony Hurley and the national executive committee nominated 60 people, who over the years greatly contributed to the success of the association and the sport.

The honoured guests were treated to an awards ceremony held in the iconic Mess Hall of McKee Barracks where specially commissioned certificates were presented to each of the recipients or their representatives.

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Mc Sweeney led the guests of honour on a guided tour of the Army Equitation School, while Comdt. Tom Freyne provided a ridden demonstration in the indoor school.

“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,” said chairman Tony Hurley.