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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘An amazing trainer' – JP McManus & Ruby Walsh pay heartfelt tributes to Edward O'Grady at Galway Races
JP McManus and Ruby Walsh led tributes to legendary trainer Edward O'Grady on day one of the Galway Races Festival. A shadow was cast over Monday's card when word emerged of 3 O'Grady was the pre-eminent Irish force at Cheltenham before Willie Mullins Credit: PA 3 He and McManus went way back together Credit: @RTETwo 3 Walsh paid him a fitting tribute at the outset of RTE's coverage from Galway Credit: @RTETwo Jockey great Walsh acknowledged that reality He stated: "Unfortunately, the week has begun on a sombre note as we learnt this morning of the passing of legendary trainer Edward O'Grady. "He trained his first winner back in 1972...53 years as a trainer is a lifetime given to this sport and may he rest in peace." Billionaire owner McManus had a long working relationship with O'Grady which he reflected on with Read More On Irish Sport The 74-year-old recalled: "He was an amazing trainer. I went to him for the first time in 1978 with the second horse I ever owned - Jack of Trumps. "He did a great job with thing I have to say about Edward is he was always very good to his staff - very kind to everybody." The Limerick native added: "He'll be missed. He was a great judge of a horse and on top of that he looked after everyone who worked for him so well." O'Grady was known as The King of Cheltenham before Most read in Horse Racing And he is also partly responsible for the rise of James Bond hero O'Grady himself hit the big time when he teamed up with McManus to land a huge punt at the Festival in 1982. He trained the first of more than 80 McManus Cheltenham winners in the shape of Mister Donavan. Legendary horse trainer Edward O'Grady dies aged 75 just days after saddling his final runner A fearsome punter, McManus said he won more than £250,000 backing his horse over and over for what is now the Turners Novices' Hurdle. In today's money the victory would be worth more than £1.1million. O'Grady masterminded 18 Cheltenham Festival winners from his Tipperary base in all, his victories coming in the days when British trainers still dominated. His most famous horses included the likes of Golden Cygnet, who many said was the greatest hurdler of all time despite his only season over obstacles ending in tragedy. Dubbed 'the horse of the century', he won the 1978 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham before suffering a fatal fall in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr, cruelly cutting short the career over a horse O'Grady said was 'the most talented I ever trained'. Gay Future, Native Upmanship, Ned Kelly, Back In Front and Tranquil Sea were other big O'Grady horses. O'Grady, who also enjoyed success as a Flat trainer having been forced to switch when farming troubles hit Ireand, was saddling horses right up until his death. His final ever runner was Sovereign Banter who ran at Cork last Friday night - mere weeks after his last winner, Our Soldier, earlier this month. PERSONAL TRAGEDIES Trainer Fergal O'Brien was among the first to pay tribute to a trailblazer in the sport, writing on X: "One of the very best. Sad news." This is the second death to hit racing in as many weeks, after a Despite his success on the track, tragedy was never too far away from O'Grady's personal life. His first wife Judy passed away in 2010, seven years before second wife Maria was killed in a fall. O'Grady later remarried and leaves behind wife Kay and children Jonathan, Amber, Lucy, Mimi and Rosie Mae.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘When Edward fancied a horse you didn't need to have money, all you needed was credit' - JP McManus hails late great O'Grady
O'Grady trained nearly 1,700 winners throughout an extraordinary career spanning five decades and the Tipperary trainer was a pioneer for the Irish at Cheltenham with 18 Festival successes, often when the raiding team struggled to get any winners on the board at Prestbury Park. Golden Cygnet and Mister Donovan are just two of the marquee names that went through his hands and victory for the latter in the 1982 Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham was a huge coup for his owner McManus with a monster punt landed. "When Edward fancied a horse, you didn't need to have money, all you needed to have was credit because they nearly always delivered," McManus said of O'Grady after the victory of Davy Crockett (1/2 favourite) in the opening race on the first day of the Galway Races. "His record was second to none at the time. He'd say to you after Fairyhouse in April, after the National, they used to bring some of their future horses there, some of their four-year-olds and he'd say 'We've found one for Christmas'. "And true to his word, Christmas is when he'd next appear. You didn't need to have money as long as you had credit. He'll me missed, he was a great judge of a horse." McManus and O'Grady go back nearly 50 years and the powerful Limerick owner spoke highly of a man who was "something special". "No doubt he was an amazing trainer. I went to him in 1978 with the second horse that I owned, Jack Of Trumps, and he done a great job with him. I remember he won as a five-year-old carrying 12 stone in the Jameson Gold Cup, it was a handicap then," McManus said. "We went on that year and won the Galway Plate (with Shining Flame). He was something special and the one thing that I'll have to say about Edward is that he was always very good to his staff and kind to everybody." Former jockey Norman Williamson also paid tribute, hailing O'Grady as 'a remarkable trainer and a remarkable man'. Williamson rode a whole host of big-race winners for O'Grady, including his last Cheltenham Festival success in the saddle aboard Back In Front in the 2003 Supreme Novices' Hurdle. ADVERTISEMENT He also enjoyed notable success aboard the likes of Ned Kelly, winner of the 2002 Irish Champion Hurdle, and Nick Dundee, both of whom were owned by John Magnier. Williamson said: 'He was a remarkable trainer and a remarkable man and I think way ahead of his time, to be honest. 'What he did as a young man, I think he took over from his father in his early 20s, was amazing. 'Once you were on his team you knew you were going to be riding some good horses and we had a lot of success together.' O'Grady saddled 18 Cheltenham Festival winners, putting him 17th on the all-time list. 'He never took a horse to Cheltenham with no chance, they all had reason to be there and he knew when he had one,' Williamson added. 'I actually rode my last Cheltenham winner for him on Back In Front. He was a short-priced favourite (for the Supreme) on the day, but it was like he was running him in a maiden hurdle. Edward knew what he had and he knew he was good enough. 'Ned Kelly won the Irish Champion Hurdle for us and Nick Dundee was a great horse, but we unfortunately didn't get to see his full potential. He fell in the SunAlliance Chase in Cheltenham when he was cantering, he was the banker that year. 'We had some great times together, he was a great pal and he'll be sadly missed.' Another jockey who teamed up with O'Grady for Cheltenham Festival success was Barry Geraghty, with Sky's The Limit dominating his rivals in the 2006 Coral Cup. Geraghty said: 'It's really sad news and a shock. 'Edward was a brilliant man and you would meet him regularly racing. He was always good company and he was a brilliant trainer who had great success. How he produced his horses… they were always so fit and so well and so well schooled. 'But above everything else he was a brilliant family man, a great father who loved his family and I'm sure everyone is devastated. 'Growing up and watching on, Edward O'Grady – he was the man at Cheltenham. I was fortunate to win on Sky's The Limit for him and I rode Back In Front to win the Morgiana Hurdle in Punchestown, we had lots of really good days.' O'Grady's first Festival winner was Mr Midland, who landed the National Hunt Chase in 1974 in the hands of future Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Mouse Morris. 'I was with Edward for 17 years, riding for him as an amateur and when I turned professional,' said Morris. 'He was a very good trainer and was having winners in Cheltenham at a time when the Irish had very few winners there. 'Golden Cygnet was probably the best horse he trained and I remember winning on a horse called I'm Happy. He won a bumper at Naas and was sold to England. I think he was the first horse to beat Bula, that's going back a long time!' Additional reporting from PA Media
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life
An ex-police officer from England has been found guilty of murdering his wife in Georgia after she discovered his affair, an exposure that reportedly threatened to reveal his fraudulent immigration status. Brian McManus, 57, a former officer with the London police and originally from the UK, was found guilty of killing his 63-year-old wife, Lucille Ann McManus, in 2023. The Houston County District Attorney's Office confirmed the conviction in a Facebook statement this week. Authorities emphasized that Brian McManus attempted to conceal his crime, shift blame onto the victim's family, and avoid punishment, but fell short. "McManus tried to cover the murder up, pin it on the victim's family, and walk away without consequence. He failed," the DA's office wrote in a statement. "Because of the work of the Warner Robins Police Department, forensic experts, and Houston County Asst. DAs Justin Duane and Lauren Fletcher, the truth won out." Daughter Of Irish Man Beaten To Death By American Wife, Her Ex-fbi Agent Father Rejects Self-defense Claims The case began on November 24, 2023, when officers responded to what was initially reported as a suicide at the couple's residence in Warner Robins, Georgia. Upon arrival, police found Lucille's body on a bed with a head wound, according to the Warner Robins Police Department. She was reportedly found unclothed, according to FOX 5. Read On The Fox News App Prosecutors allege Brian McManus struck his wife with an object as she exited the shower, strangled her, then cleaned up and walked the dog. Brian McManus, who reportedly made the 911 call, claimed he returned home from walking his dog to find his wife dead, according to the outlet. However, during the trial, prosecutors noted that he gave conflicting statements and showed no concern for his wife, only distress about being viewed as the prime suspect. Barry Morphew Seen For First Time After Jail Booking, Maintains Innocence In Wife's Death The outlet reported that he even attempted to blame the murder on the victim's granddaughter and her boyfriend, who they lived with, but cell phone data disproved their presence. Security footage also captured him near a drainage ditch where police found a rubber mallet and cell phone. Investigators also discovered that the couple met on the popular dating app, Tinder, and were married within three months, per FOX 5. McManus had previously worked for the London police but was dismissed after several women accused him of sexually threatening behavior. According to the outlet, his first marriage ended after he was arrested for domestic violence. Authorities said Brian McManus was involved with another woman in Florida and that his wife discovered the affair when he accidentally sent her a message intended for his mistress. She then threatened to expose their alleged "sham" marriage, according to prosecutors. Alex Murdaugh's Defense Attorney Explains Why He Thinks The Disgraced Lawyer Is Innocent, Will Get A New Trial Several witnesses alleged that the marriage was arranged primarily to help Brian McManus obtain a U.S. green card, according to reports. "Miss Ann was a lonely woman, and the defendant used that to his advantage. He used her to abuse our immigration system and then, when he got caught, brutally killed her," Assistant District Attorney Ada Duane said. "No one deserves to die like that. McManus is a serial liar and con man who attempted to hide the fact that he murdered his wife by tampering with evidence and blaming others. He is a textbook narcissist who thinks he is the smartest man in the room. I am glad that the jury saw him for what he was – a monster – and grateful that the victim's family finally has some answers." "This was a brutal and calculated murder carried out by an evil sociopath who views the women in his life as disposable," District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards said. "Brian McManus was not only willing to exploit our immigration system and manipulate a vulnerable woman into a sham marriage—he was willing to kill her when she became inconvenient. And then he tried to cover it up, pin it on her family, and walk away without consequence. He failed." Officials said as their community undertakes a renewed effort to prevent family violence-related homicides, this case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the lives at risk. "As our community launches a renewed initiative to prevent family violence homicides, this case is a gut-wrenching reminder of what's at stake. This office will never hesitate to bring the full weight of the law down on abusers who mistake silence for weakness," the DA's office said. A spokesperson for Tinder told Fox News Digital that they can't comment on any individual's account, but said that the safety of their members is their highest priority. "If a user contacts us to report a crime or unsafe incident—whether it occurred on the app or following a match, we take the matter extremely seriously and follow a structured, trauma-informed response protocol," the company said. The company added that they also have a dedicated law enforcement portal, the first of its kind in the industry, which allows "qualified law enforcement agencies to securely request information related to ongoing investigations." "We stand ready to assist investigations by providing relevant data in compliance with applicable laws and privacy protocols," the company said. Fox News Digital reached out to the Houston County District Attorney's Office, but did not immediately receive a article source: Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life
New York Post
19-07-2025
- New York Post
Former UK police officer Brian McManus found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life in Georgia
An ex-police officer from England has been found guilty of murdering his wife in Georgia after she discovered his affair, an exposure that reportedly threatened to reveal his fraudulent immigration status. Brian McManus, 57, a former officer with the London police and originally from the UK, was found guilty of killing his 63-year-old wife, Lucille Ann McManus, in 2023. Advertisement The Houston County District Attorney's Office confirmed the conviction in a Facebook statement this week. Authorities emphasized that Brian McManus attempted to conceal his crime, shift blame onto the victim's family, and avoid punishment, but fell short. 'McManus tried to cover the murder up, pin it on the victim's family, and walk away without consequence. He failed,' the DA's office wrote in a statement. 'Because of the work of the Warner Robins Police Department, forensic experts, and Houston County Asst. DAs Justin Duane and Lauren Fletcher, the truth won out.' The case began on November 24, 2023, when officers responded to what was initially reported as a suicide at the couple's residence in Warner Robins, Georgia. Advertisement 4 Lucille Ann McManus was killed by her husband, Brian McManus, in 2023. FOX News Upon arrival, police found Lucille's body on a bed with a head wound, according to the Warner Robins Police Department. She was reportedly found unclothed, according to FOX 5. Prosecutors allege Brian McManus struck his wife with an object as she exited the shower, strangled her, then cleaned up and walked the dog. Advertisement Brian McManus, who reportedly made the 911 call, claimed he returned home from walking his dog to find his wife dead, according to the outlet. However, during the trial, prosecutors noted that he gave conflicting statements and showed no concern for his wife, only distress about being viewed as the prime suspect. 4 McManus is a former officer with the London police. FOX News The outlet reported that he even attempted to blame the murder on the victim's granddaughter and her boyfriend, who they lived with, but cell phone data disproved their presence. Advertisement Security footage also captured him near a drainage ditch where police found a rubber mallet and cell phone. Investigators also discovered that the couple met on the popular dating app, Tinder, and were married within three months, per FOX 5. McManus had previously worked for the London police but was dismissed after several women accused him of sexually threatening behavior. According to the outlet, his first marriage ended after he was arrested for domestic violence. 4 Prosecutors alleged McManus hit his wife with an object as she exited the shower and strangled her. 13WMAZ / YouTube Authorities said Brian McManus was involved with another woman in Florida and that his wife discovered the affair when he accidentally sent her a message intended for his mistress. She then threatened to expose their alleged 'sham' marriage, according to prosecutors. Several witnesses alleged that the marriage was arranged primarily to help Brian McManus obtain a US green card, according to reports. Advertisement 'Miss Ann was a lonely woman, and the defendant used that to his advantage. He used her to abuse our immigration system and then, when he got caught, brutally killed her,' Assistant District Attorney Ada Duane said. 'No one deserves to die like that. McManus is a serial liar and con man who attempted to hide the fact that he murdered his wife by tampering with evidence and blaming others. He is a textbook narcissist who thinks he is the smartest man in the room. I am glad that the jury saw him for what he was – a monster – and grateful that the victim's family finally has some answers.' 'This was a brutal and calculated murder carried out by an evil sociopath who views the women in his life as disposable,' District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards said. 'Brian McManus was not only willing to exploit our immigration system and manipulate a vulnerable woman into a sham marriage—he was willing to kill her when she became inconvenient. And then he tried to cover it up, pin it on her family, and walk away without consequence. He failed.' 4 The couple lived in Warner Robins, Ga., a city located in the center of the state. 13WMAZ / YouTube Officials said as their community undertakes a renewed effort to prevent family violence-related homicides, this case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the lives at risk. Advertisement 'As our community launches a renewed initiative to prevent family violence homicides, this case is a gut-wrenching reminder of what's at stake. This office will never hesitate to bring the full weight of the law down on abusers who mistake silence for weakness,' the DA's office said. A spokesperson for Tinder told Fox News Digital that they can't comment on any individual's account, but said that the safety of their members is their highest priority. 'If a user contacts us to report a crime or unsafe incident—whether it occurred on the app or following a match, we take the matter extremely seriously and follow a structured, trauma-informed response protocol,' the company said. Advertisement The company added that they also have a dedicated law enforcement portal, the first of its kind in the industry, which allows 'qualified law enforcement agencies to securely request information related to ongoing investigations.' 'We stand ready to assist investigations by providing relevant data in compliance with applicable laws and privacy protocols,' the company said. Fox News Digital reached out to the Houston County District Attorney's Office, but did not immediately receive a response.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
James McManus and Jake Doyle-Hayes get the goals as Sligo Rovers dump Dundalk out of FAI Cup
SLIGO ROVERS have suffered more than their fair share of surprise early round FAI Cup exits in recent years. But early second-half goals from James McManus and Jake Doyle-Hayes ensured there was to be no repeat away to Advertisement The Bit O'Red, whose boss John Russell was missing due to illness, have gone out in the early rounds in each of the last four seasons, falling to a 2-0 defeat at home to UCD last year. A prospect of another shock appeared on the cards when the First Division leaders bossed the first half. That was until two goals inside four minutes — a screamer from on-loan Bohs midfielder McManus and a header from JDH — ensured that Sligo's dreams of a sixth remain alive. The visitors almost got off to a dream start when Will Fitzgerald slipped Jad Hakiki in on the left early but he was denied by Enda Minogue. That would prove to be Sligo's only attempt of note in the opening half. Advertisement Red More on FAI Cup Dundalk's first attempt arrived on 16 minutes when former spring to his right to push Harry Groome's long-range attempt away. The former work on the right from Declan McDaid, Shane Tracey and JR Wilson saw the latter pull the ball back for Groome ten yards out. But he curled his effort the wrong side of the post. Sligo then hit the front within six minutes of the restart with a stunning strike from McManus, who met a partially cleared corner at the edge of the box with a cracking right-footed strike that flew past Minogue to the top right-hand corner. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Live Blog And it was then 2-0 on 54 minutes when Will Fitzgerald's cross from the left was flicked on by the head of Doyle-Hayes and into the net. League of Ireland mascots compete in charity race in Naas The Louth men almost responded five minutes later when Shane Tracey's ball in was met first-time by Gbemi Arubi only for his low effort to be brilliantly turned around the post by Sargeant. Team-mate Andy Paraschiv then let fly from distance on 68 minutes with an effort that dipped just over the bar. A Dundalk onslaught then saw fellow substitute Dean Ebbe let the visitors off on 84 minutes when he latched on to a slack back pass to beat Sargeant but his effort lacked the power to get over the line. Advertisement In a final home side push, Horgan forced another fine save from Sargeant as Sligo marched on to the next round of the Cup. SUN STAR MAN Sam Sargeant (Sligo Rovers) DUNDALK : Minogue 7; Wilson 6, Leonard 7, Sean McHale 5 (O'Keeffe 22, 6), Keogh 6 (Spaight 71, 6); Dervin 7, Tracey 7 (Paraschiv 61, 6); McDaid 6 (Kenny 61, 5), Groome 6, Horgan 6; Arubi 7 (Ebbe 61, 4). Advertisement SLIGO ROVERS : Sargeant 9; Reynolds 6, Denham 7, McClean 7, Fitzgerald 7; Doyle-Hayes 7 (Patton 66, 6), McManus 7; Elding 6, Hakiki 8, O'Kane 6 (McDonagh 77, 6); Waweru 5 (Quirk 46, 6). REFEREE : A O'Dowd (Dublin) 5. 1 James McManus of Sligo Rovers celebrates after scoring his side's first goal against Dundalk Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
