Sponsorship boost for National Showjumping Championships

THE upcoming National Showjumping Championships in Ennis have received a major boost with the confirmation that Dubai Duty Free, the largest single airport retail operation in the world in terms of turnover, has come on board as one of the main sponsors of the event.
The championships will take place from August 30 to September 1 in the Showgrounds. Dubai Duty Free will be the main sponsor of the National Grand Prix Championship Final, which has a prize fund of €20,000, making it a very attractive competition. 
Commenting on the sponsorship, Dubai Duty Free’s executive vice-chairman, Colm McLoughlin, said, “We are delighted to be involved with the National Showjumping Championships in Ennis.  Continuing our association in the horse industry in Ireland, this is a great opportunity to showcase our brand in the Mid-West of Ireland.”
On behalf of County Clare Agricultural Show Society, Jimmy Quinn, show director, said, “We are delighted that Dubai Duty Free has come on board as sponsors for the 2011 national championships. 
This is the first time these championships will be run outside of the Leinster area and having a title sponsor like Dubai Duty Free greatly enhances our ability to run a very successful show. It will be a great boost to the town to host this event and Ennis will guarantee a festival atmosphere and a successful show for both competitors and spectators alike.”
The national championships, with a prize fund of €50,000, is set to draw fans of the sport from all over the country, with organisers expecting a gate in the region of 10,000.  More than 100 riders are expected to participate, including most of the top international riders.  According to Mr Quinn, high-profile riders such as Billy Twomey, Shane Breen, Captain David O’Brien, Cian O’Connor and Cameron Hanley have all indicated they will be in Ennis if not on international duty.
For more information, visit the website www.clareshowsociety.com or contact the show secretary on secretary@clareshowsociety.com, or the show director Jimmy Quinn on 086 2646830.