CASTLEMARTIN Stud is ‘sale agreed’ and it is widely believed to have been purchased by American billionaire John Malone for €28 million.

Formerly owned by Sir Anthony O’Reilly, the Co Kildare farm on 750 acres was put on the market by AIB to settle a debt of €22 million owed by the businessman to the bank. Just days ago Malone closed a deal to buy Ballylinch Stud in Co Kilkenny and the Castlemartin deal is likely to be completed before December 31st to avail of a tax incentive.