THE Irish Field understands that Frank Dunne is the new owner of Ballymacoll Stud. The near 300-acre farm in Dunboyne, Co Meath was sold at public auction for €8.15 million this week. Dunne owns the adjoining Hamwood Stud.

Neither the auctioneers nor the solicitors acting for the purchaser have confirmed the buyer’s identity. Dunne is one of the principal shareholders in the family’s Dunnes Stores.