IRISH show jumping team manager Rodrigo Pessoa has named his four team members for tomorrow's (Friday) opening round of the Super League Nations Cup Series (European Division 1) at Lummen in Belgium.

Ireland have been drawn fifth to jump of the eight teams taking part and will line out as follows:

Co Down’s Dermott Lennon (49) with Loughview Lou-Lou (ISH) – owned by Judith Sossick

Sligo’s Richard Howley (24) with Chinook – owned by Mr & Mrs Aitkenhead

Limerick’s Paul Kennedy (23) with Cartown Danger Mouse (ISH) – owned by Jane Kennedy

Galway’s Michael Duffy (22) with Belcanto Z – owned by Alan Burnell

Speaking after announcing his team, Rodrigo Pessoa said: "We are looking in forward to start of 2017 European Nations Cup season. We have a young team here in Lummen with the exception of Dermott. Conditions here look good at the moment and we are hoping for good result on this debut."

Although Lummen is a European Division 1 Nations Cup, Ireland will not be competing for points at the Belgian venue. A new Nations Cup format for 2017 will see teams guaranteed invitations to six of the eight European Division 1 shows, with their four best results counting towards the league standings.

Ireland finished as runners-up on the 2016 Nations Cup league table to maintain their position for the coming season as one of eight European Division 1 teams. Italy, Germany, Sweden, France, and newly-promoted Spain will be competing for points in Lummen, while along with Ireland, Switzerland and hosts Belgium will also line-out but will not be eligible for points.

Ireland's first of six points-scoring Nations Cup rounds will come at La Baule in France on May 12th. This will be followed by rounds at Rome (May 24th-28th), Rotterdam (June 22nd-25th), Falsterbo (July 13th-16th), Hickstead (July 27th-30th), and Ireland’s home Nations Cup at the RDS in Dublin on August 9th-13th, where teams will compete for the Aga Khan trophy.

The Lummen Nations Cup starts at 3pm Irish time on Friday and is available to watch live on FEITV, with live updates during the competition on Team Ireland Equestrian social media.

ISH BREEDING:

Loughview Lou Lou (ISH) – 2002 mare by Limmerick (HOLST) out of Loughview Diamond Lucy (ISH), by Jack Of Diamonds (ID C1). Owner/Bred by Judith Sossick, Co. Antrim. Rider: Dermott Lennon (IRL)

Cartown Danger Mouse (ISH) – 2006 mare by Harlequin du Carel (SF) out of Missy Boo (ISH). Breeder: Paul G Kennedy, Co. Limerick. Owner: Jane Kennedy. Rider: Paul Kennedy (IRL)