Former Manchester United owner John Magnier launched a major operation to rescue Ukrainian refugees.
The billionaire businessman paid for the group to leave the war-torn country after its invasion by Russia. Families of around 20 staff from his equine businesses in Ireland were brought to safety in Ireland. The employees work at Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle, where trainer Aidan O'Brien runs one of the world's most successful racing stables.
The women, children and extended family members are among around 13,500 refugees who have arrived in Ireland since the start of the conflict. O'Brien told the Racing Post : "Mr and Mrs Magnier have brought over all their families and put them all up. It was for anyone working between Ballydoyle and Coolmore who wanted to bring their families here. It's a lot of people and it was tough getting them out.
