John Magnier drops plan to appeal Barne Estate ruling

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

John Magnier has dropped his plan to appeal the High Court ruling in the Barne Estate dispute, saying the decision was made on pragmatic grounds. A statement on his behalf said the proposed appeal was intended to challenge the judge’s factual and legal findings, not to enforce the land deal or seek related damages. The statement said Magnier continues to maintain that he acted in good faith.

Mr Justice Max Barrett ruled in September 2025 that no land-sale or option agreement had been concluded and dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims. In December, he ordered exceptional costs against Magnier after finding that false evidence had been given. Magnier’s statement said an appeal may have been legally moot because the plaintiffs would no longer pursue a claim over the land; the appeal will not be pursued, allowing the parties to move on.