date: 2025-09-06 18:55:00,
The home of Cheltenham winner Edward O’Grady, a five-bedroom Georgian country house, was built in the mid-19th century
Asking Price: €3.25m
Contact: Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes (01) 6399300
It’s rare to find a house that’s been home to one person for their entire life, but Killeens in Ballynonty, Co Tipperary, was the birthplace and lifelong haven of the late Edward O’Grady, who had 18 winners at Cheltenham and became one of Ireland’s leading racehorse trainers of the last 50 years.
The five-bedroom Georgian country house is thought to have been built in the mid 19th century.
“It was Edward’s home. It was where he worked and where he lived, and he was very attached to it,” says Kay Russell, his third wife, originally from Dorset in the UK.
O’Grady, a father of five grown-up children, who died last July at the age of 75, was born there in 1949. His father Willie O’Grady, a champion jockey and respected trainer, bought the property in 1948.
As an only child, he inherited the 4,348 sq ft home, which sits on 207 acres and has a number of barns, outbuildings and offices, as well as a two-bedroom staff flat.
In addition, there is a yard, stables with 76 horse boxes, a sand arena, an all-weather turnout arena, two horse walkers, a gallops and a paddocks. “It’s the finest training yard in the country and it’s where Edward trained all of his winning horses,” says Russell.
The front of Killeens in Ballynonty, Co Tipperary
The trainer first came to prominence in Cheltenham 1974, when his horse Mr Midland was ridden to victory by the well-known jockey Mouse Morris.
That same year, however, he was involved in an elaborate betting coup by an Irish syndicate at Cartmel racecourse in Cumbria, with a horse called Gay Future.
In the aftermath of the ultimately futile attempt to clean out the English bookies and earn an estimated £1m, O’Grady and three other men were arrested by the British police.
Aerial view of the property, which includes stables, gallops and other training facilities
O’Grady, who was 25 at the time, was released without charge. “It was really all done for the fun of it,” says Russell of the coup. “Everything Edward ever did in his life was for fun. He always had to have a laugh.”
In fact, the stunt became the subject of a movie called Murphy’s Strokereleased in 1980. It starred Pierce Brosnan as a trainer called Donnelly, who was based on the character of O’Grady. “I think Edward was quietly pleased to be played by Pierce Brosnan,” adds Russell. “In fact, at one stage years ago, Brosnan kept horses here at Killeens.”
The fiasco did not deter O’Grady from achieving success. He went on to become one of Ireland’s most successful racehorse trainers, and all of his horses – including legends like Tranquil Sea, Sacundai and Golden Cygnet – were trained in the gallops at Killeens.
The kitchen
The grounds here were once a limestone quarry, and it’s the free-draining limestone soil that makes it ideal for training horses all year round. “You can drive or walk on the land even in the depths of the winter because of the limestone. It’s rare,” explains Russell. “In fact there’s still a limestone kiln in one of the fields.”
O’Grady was also ahead of his time in installing different types of gallops on the land. “He created long distance gallops, gallops on the flat, uphill and circular gallops, and all-weather gallops. It meant he could train different types of horses, and the variety of gallops kept the horses’ minds fresh,” she says. “It’s the finest gallops in Ireland.”
Pierce Brosnan’s character in 1980s TV movie ‘Murphy’s Stroke’ was based on trainer Edward O’Grady
Today, the house is in relatively good condition and comes with original Georgian features such as the deep bay windows at the front, ceiling roses and cornicing.
In the kitchen, which has an old-world homely feel with its cream ceramic floor tiles, cream cupboards and an island, there’s an Aga stove which was installed in 1948. “It’s gives off fantastic heat, and we still cook on it every day,” she says. “I imagine it would have been powered by wood in the beginning, but it now runs on oil.”
The entrance hall
Russell recalls “legendary” racing breakfasts held in the kitchen on Saturday mornings before they attended race meetings. “We’d sit around the island and there would be fry-ups and champagne all round.”
She has fond memories too of Christmas gatherings and parties in the property. “We never had to worry about fitting people in because there was so much space,” she says. “The house has a lovely flow and lends itself well to entertaining.”
The drawing room
Russell breeds horses for eventing and racing, and met O’Grady seven years ago through the horse racing industry.
“We had a fabulous time together,” she says of their relationship. “We travelled extensively and held lots of parties here in the house. The door was always open and the drinks cabinet well-stocked.
“Edward was the kindest man and the house was the warmest, most welcoming place to be,” she adds. “He would talk about moving sometimes, but he’d always say, ‘What am I going to do if I don’t train horses? I’m a bit too young to play golf!”
The property has extensive stables and training facilities
She thinks the property would suit someone who wants to continue the tradition of horse training, but equally would appeal to those who appreciate its beautiful setting in the Golden Vale.
“The views of the surrounding mountains from the top of the gallop here are just staggering, and there’s not another house in sight.
“This is real horse country,” she adds. “Coolmore Stud is a five minute drive away and Ballydoyle Stables with Aidan O’Brien is about 25 minutes by car.”
Despite its peaceful rural setting, Killeens is just 18 minutes by car to Thurles town and 20 minutes from Cashel.
There’s potential to expand further by also purchasing the adjacent three bedroomed residence, Lanespark. An ideal manager’s house or further staff accommodation.
Although she plans to stay in Ireland, Russell is selling the house now as it no longer feels the same. “The heart and soul has gone out of the place,” she says. “I miss the way it used to be, but I will take very happy memories with me.”
Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes seeks €3.25m.
What financial documentation will be required to verify investment potential for prospective buyers?
Table of Contents
- 1. What financial documentation will be required to verify investment potential for prospective buyers?
- 2. iconic Residence of Renowned Horse Trainer O’Grady Up for Sale in Tipperary
- 3. A Legacy Property in the Heart of Irish Horse Country
- 4. The O’Grady Legacy: A history of Champions
- 5. Property Details: Estate Overview
- 6. Tipperary: The Epicenter of Irish Horse Breeding
- 7. Investment Potential: Beyond the Equestrian Realm
- 8. Recent Sales of Comparable Properties
- 9. Practical
iconic Residence of Renowned Horse Trainer O’Grady Up for Sale in Tipperary
A Legacy Property in the Heart of Irish Horse Country
The historic estate of legendary horse trainer, Patrick O’Grady, has been placed on the market, presenting a rare possibility to acquire a significant piece of Irish equestrian history. Located in the picturesque county of tipperary – often referred to as the heart of Irish horse breeding – the property is steeped in tradition and boasts world-class facilities. This isn’t just a house; it’s a legacy,a testament to decades of success in the thoroughbred industry. Potential buyers include equestrian enthusiasts, investors seeking a unique property, and those drawn to the tranquility of the irish countryside.
The O’Grady Legacy: A history of Champions
Patrick O’Grady’s name is synonymous with success in National hunt racing. Over a career spanning four decades, he trained numerous Grade 1 winners, establishing a reputation for developing young horses and nurturing talent. His Tipperary base was central to this success, providing the ideal environment for training and pre-training thoroughbreds.
Notable Achievements: O’Grady’s horses consistently performed at the highest level, securing wins in prestigious races like the Cheltenham Festival and the Punchestown festival.
Breeding Ground: The estate has been a key location for pre-training and rehabilitation of horses destined for top racing stables across Europe.
Family Tradition: The O’Grady family has been involved in horse racing for generations, adding to the property’s rich heritage.
Property Details: Estate Overview
The estate encompasses approximately 80 acres of prime tipperary land, meticulously maintained and designed for equestrian pursuits.The main residence is a substantial country house, offering comfortable living accommodation and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Main Residence: A seven-bedroom manor house, featuring traditional architectural details and modern amenities. Includes a library, formal dining room, and spacious kitchen.
stabling: extensive stabling facilities, capable of housing over 40 horses, with both loose boxes and Monarch boxes.
Training Facilities: A full-sized all-weather gallop, a circular lunging ring, and a dedicated veterinary room.
Land: 80 acres of well-fenced paddocks, ideal for grazing and pre-training. Includes a natural water source and mature woodland.
Additional Buildings: Staff accommodation, a hay barn, and a machinery shed complete the estate.
Tipperary: The Epicenter of Irish Horse Breeding
Tipperary’s reputation as a leading center for horse breeding is well-deserved. the county’s fertile land,mild climate,and long tradition of horsemanship create the perfect environment for raising and training thoroughbreds.
Coolmore Stud: Home to one of the world’s most influential thoroughbred breeding operations.
Local Equestrian Events: numerous point-to-point meetings, horse trials, and show jumping competitions take place throughout the year.
accessibility: Conveniently located within easy reach of major transport links, including dublin Airport and several ferry ports.
Community: A strong and supportive equestrian community, with a wealth of local expertise.
Investment Potential: Beyond the Equestrian Realm
While the property’s primary appeal lies with equestrian buyers, it also presents significant investment potential for those seeking a unique and prestigious estate.
luxury Retreat: The property coudl be developed into a luxury country house hotel or a high-end equestrian retreat.
Private Estate: Ideal for individuals seeking a private and secluded country residence with extensive grounds.
Agricultural Opportunity: the land could be utilized for other agricultural purposes, such as cattle farming or forestry.
Potential for Progress: Subject to planning permission, there may be opportunities to develop additional facilities on the estate.
Recent Sales of Comparable Properties
Recent sales of similar equestrian properties in Tipperary demonstrate the strong demand for such estates. in 2023, a 60-acre estate with a smaller residence and fewer facilities sold for €1.8 million. Another comparable property, featuring a modern stable yard and gallop, fetched €2.2 million in early 2024. The O’Grady estate, with its superior facilities and historical significance, is expected to attract considerable interest and achieve a premium price. Current asking price is available upon request through the selling agent, Sherry FitzGerald.
, proposes that this behavior is likely a new “cultural tradition” developing within the orca population. He describes it as a potential “fad” lacking an obvious immediate purpose. </p>
<p>This theory suggests that the behaviour started with a few individuals and has been learned and replicated by others within the pod, spreading through social learning. Similar, unexplained “fads” have been observed in other animal populations, like certain vocalizations or foraging techniques. </p>
<p><strong>⚠️ Important Safety Guidance for Sailors</strong> ⚠️</p>
<p>Authorities are advising sailors traversing these waters to exercise extreme caution and familiarize themselves with recommended protocols if they encounter orcas. These include:</p>
<p><em> <strong>Stop the boat:</strong> Cutting engines reduces the perceived threat and minimizes potential damage.<br />
</em> <strong>Lower the sail:</strong> Removing the sail can also de-escalate the situation.<br />
<em> <strong>Stay calm and avoid direct eye contact:</strong> Although challenging, remaining calm can help prevent further interaction.<br />
</em> <strong>Contact authorities:</strong> Report any encounter promptly to maritime authorities.</p>
<p><strong>Expert Insights and Ongoing Research</strong></p>
<p>The precise cause of this behaviour remains under investigation.Several theories suggest the orcas may be reacting to perceived threats, experiencing playful curiosity, or even responding to past trauma – potentially stemming from encounters with boats or fishing gear.</p>
<p><strong>A Growing Concern: The Need for Continued Study</strong></p>
<p>the rising frequency of these interactions underscores the need for continued research to better understand the motivations behind this behaviour and to develop effective mitigation strategies. Protecting both the orca population and maritime safety requires collaborative efforts from researchers, sailors, and governing bodies.</p>
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