Magnier Land Deal Dispute: Wife Backs Husband
in a major development, Susan Magnier backs her husband, John Magnier, in a High Court battle over a disputed farmland deal, alleging breach of contract. The central issue concerns a €15 million agreement for a 751-acre farm, which the Magniers claim was finalized but later abandoned. The Barne Estate, rather, sold to another party. The Coolmore stud founder is now fighting to enforce the original deal, asserting an exclusivity agreement was in place.This case highlights the complex legal wrangling of a notable property dispute. For more insights, News Directory 3 offers comprehensive coverage of the ongoing court proceedings. Discover what’s next as the courtroom drama unfolds.
Magnier Family Farm Deal Dispute Heads to Court
Updated May 30, 2025
The High Court is hearing testimony regarding a disputed farmland deal involving the family of John Magnier, founder of Coolmore Stud. Susan Magnier,John’s wife,testified that an agreement was reached for a large Co Tipperary farm,but the deal collapsed when the Barne Estate accepted a higher offer.
The Magniers claim that Barne Estate reneged on their initial agreement to sell 751 acres for €15 million, opting rather to sell to maurice Regan, a U.S.-based construction magnate,for €22.25 million. the Magnier family seeks to enforce the original deal, asserting it was finalized during an Aug. 22, 2023, meeting at their Coolmore home.
According to the Magniers, an exclusivity agreement was in place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 30,preventing the estate from soliciting other offers. The Barne estate,held in trust for Richard thomson-Moore and others,argues that no binding agreement was ever reached,as trustee consent was necessary. regan is not a party to the proceedings.
Susan Magnier recounted being present during kitchen table negotiations on Aug.22, 2023, when the vendors received their €15 million offer. She said the vendors and an estate agent, John Stokes, left the room to call the trustees before returning to except the offer. She described a subsequent ”light-hearted” dinner.
“Everyone was happy. We all shook hands and we asked if they would stay for dinner and they said they would,” said Mrs. Magnier.
However, Niall F buckley SC, representing the defendants, stated that Stokes will testify that he never indicated the trustees would be contacted that night. Buckley added that phone records would show no trustee was contacted immediately after the offer.
Joe Holohan, Coolmore’s farm manager, corroborated Magnier’s account, stating that Magnier wanted to finalize the deal that night. Holohan said Stokes and the Thomson-Moores left to make phone calls and returned with Stokes smiling, after which all parties shook hands.
What’s next
The case is scheduled to continue next week before justice Max Barrett.