Courts / Tipperary / Report

Brown envelopes turned estate trustees away from land sale to John Magnier, court hears

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 29 July 2025, trustees of the Barne Estate in Tipperary rejected a sale to John Magnier after he sent two brown envelopes containing €50,000 to the estate's chief beneficiaries. Magnier claims a €15 million 'handshake deal' was sealed with heir Richard Thomson‑Moore on 22 August 2023, but the trustees say no formal agreement was reached. The trustees had initially preferred Magnier's bid over that of construction magnate Maurice Regan, who offered €5 million more. After the exclusivity period ended in September 2023, the trustees chose Regan's €22.25 million offer, citing concerns over the cash envelopes as a potential inducement and the need for due diligence on Regan's higher bid. Magnier has sued the trustees and related companies to enforce the alleged deal, while the trustees maintain no agreement existed. The case remains before Mr Justice Max Barrett.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brown envelopes turned estate trustees away from land sale to John Magnier, court hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• August 22, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 7, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 2023 Other
• 2025-07-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report