Barry T. Murphy (Trainer) - Random Stable Inspection 23rd July & a re-inspection 7th October 2014.

The Licensing Committee, Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Ms Caroline Corballis and Noel McCaffrey reconvened at the Offices of the Governing Bodies, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday,  9th December 2014 to consider the report from a further stable inspection carried out at the premises of Barry T. Murphy, Restricted trainer, by Turf Club Officials' Michael O'Donoghue and Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S on 7th October. The Committee also studied photographs of all the facilities as used by the licence holder. 

Evidence was heard from Michael O'Donoghue, Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S and Barry T. Murphy

In his evidence Michael O'Donoghue stated that all irregularities had been addressed with good improvements noted. He referred to the tidy condition of the premises, the clearance of ragwort from the lands, the improved condition of the paddocks, the improved surface of the ménage and repaired railings around its perimeter, the removal of the entire manure heap, the removal of the loose machinery from the path of the horses, the improved quantity of feed and hay and the purchase of a new fire extinguisher. He complimented Barry T. Murphy on the work that had been done and his very good attitude at all times.  He also made a presentation of photographic evidence.

In her evidence Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S stated that she was satisfied with the condition of the horses presented and commented that "Change of Address" had left these premises to join another trainer since the initial inspection and "Rickardstown" had been retired and was also absent. She commented that the skin rash that was evident in a number of horses at the initial random inspection had now cleared and all horses were both in good health and body condition and free from any skin disease. She referred to the passports and vaccinations of all horses now being in order, the subsequent installation of a locked medicines unit and the Turf Club veterinary medicines register now being up to date. Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, representing Barry T. Murphy, trainer, stated that his client was satisfied that the report was very accurate and fair.

In his evidence Barry T. Murphy stated that he had been given a chance to make the improvements following a random inspection in 2013 and had failed to do so but appreciated being given the chance again following another inspection in July 2014 and apologised for the inconvenience that he had caused. He added that he had taken the advice of Ms Nicola O'Connor Turf Club Veterinary Officer to treat the skin disease of all his animals as directed by her on 23rd July 2014 and had allowed a six week period without making an entry to enable his horses to become free of any contagious skin disease. 

Having considered the evidence the Licensing Committee expressed a view that having initially had a concern about standards being unacceptable, they were satisfied that following a second stable inspection, that the inspectors were of the opinion that the standards were now acceptable. The Licensing Committee confirmed their findings from the original hearing 17th September 2014 where Barry T. Murphy was cautioned for a breach of Rule 148 (iii)(b) whereby he had failed to keep a completed medicines register. They found him to be most helpful and cooperative but were of the opinion that he had put the Turf Club to considerable expense and therefore requested that he make a contribution of €700 towards costs. Furthermore, they confirmed the continuation of his licence to train but informed him that his establishment will be subject to further random stable inspections.   

Barry T. Murphy was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.

For further information, please contact:

Seamus Gibson, Secretary to the Licensing Committee, Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.

Tel; 045-445600

Date; 7th January, 2015