Courts / Tipperary / Report

Estate heir tells High Court he was 'shocked' to receive envelopes 'stuffed with cash' from Magnier

Date
2025-07-16
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Tipperary
County
Tipperary

Summary

The High Court trial concerning a disputed €15 million agreement for the 17th-century Barne Estate in Tipperary continued before Mr Justice Max Barrett. Applicants John Magnier, Richard Thomson-Moore, and Century Barne Estate are parties to the litigation, where Mr Magnier seeks to enforce an alleged handshake deal. Mr Thomson-Moore, giving evidence in defence, stated he was "shocked" by an "untoward" offer of two envelopes containing €50,000 in cash, described by the Magnier side as a "luck penny" or token of appreciation. The defendants deny a binding agreement existed, noting that estate trustees ultimately accepted a higher offer from Maurice Regan, who is not a party to the case. Mr Thomson-Moore testified that while a price was agreed, a final deal was not, and that the cash was later returned. Cross-examination focused on lists of the mansion's contents, with the Magnier side suggesting an intent to withhold high-value items from trustees, an allegation Mr Thomson-Moore denied. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Estate heir tells High Court he was 'shocked' to receive envelopes 'stuffed with cash' from Magnier. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Century Barne Estate

Applicant

John Magnier

Applicant

Richard Thomson-Moore

Applicant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

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