A JUDGE has said “well done” to all sides in resolving a legal row over an alleged “dud” €14,400 pony. At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, the case concerning the dispute over Knockblack Prince was due to get under way again.
Last April, a Cork-based financial consultant, Patrick Rea, told the court that the pony which he was told would take his daughter, Jennifer to compete in the RDS instead nearly killed her.
Mr Rea said Jennifer Rea (12) was the current national and reserve champion in show ponies. He was giving evidence as part of his action suing three individuals for damages and the refund of the €14,400 he paid for the pony in October 2008.
In April, Judge Gerald Keys only heard evidence from Mr Rea and the case was adjourned until yesterday.
However, Lorcan Connolly for one of the three defendants – Frank Glynn, Newtown Stud, Ballindine, Co Mayo – told Judge Keys the case had been resolved.
Pat Whyms for second defendant – Linda Gallagher, Ballymorris, Cratloe, Co Clare – said the case could be “struck out with no order made”. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed to the court.
“I am glad to hear that the case has been settled,” Judge Keys said. “Well done to all parties who have resolved the case.”
In evidence last April, Mr Rea of Cooleen, Charleville, Co Cork, said that in November 2008, when Jennifer rode the pony at an event in Killarney, it had refused a number of fences before throwing her off.
He said: “The pony went off his head in the ring. He bucked Jennifer into the fence and from that day on, that was his behaviour. Jennifer persisted as best she could, but he threw her off 10 times . . . the pony nearly killed Jennifer. The pony is dangerous”.
Mr Rea said he called John McMahon in April 2009. “I told him ‘you’ve sold me a dud’ and he responded ‘I can sell ponies but I can’t sell jockeys’.”
Antoinette Fitzsimmons, for Mr McMahon, Castlequarter Stables, Cratloe, Co Clare, said her client disputed that the conversation ever took place. Mr Glynn, Ms Gallagher and Mr McMahon all denied Mr Rea’s claim for damages and refund.
