BIG READ: Goresbridge Horse Sales ready to embark on a new chapter

Goresbridge Horse Sales, in Kilkenny, a renowned hub for equine enthusiasts and buyers alike, embarks on an exciting journey into the future.

Stepping into the shoes of the esteemed Martin and Mary Francis Donohoe, as Martin retires for new pastures, his younger brother Ed Donohoe along with his wife Siobhan have taken over the running of the family business.

Ed & Siobhan Donohoe, the new custodians of Goresbridge Horse Sales (Photo by Vicky Comerford)

The couple aims to inject new energy and innovative ideas into the auction house, known for its top-quality sport horses, show jumpers, eventers, and hunters.

With 56 years in business, Goresbridge Horse Sales remains a top spot nationally and internationally for sport and leisure horse auctions. Located in Ireland's renowned horse breeding region, the purpose-built complex hosts several sales each year.

Starting as a family business, Goresbridge Horse Sales has grown into a trusted name worldwide. Known for its fairness and honesty, it attracts buyers and sellers from around the globe.

In a recent interview, Ed and Siobhan shared their enthusiasm for the future of Goresbridge Horse Sales. "We're thrilled to be taking over the reins," remarked Ed. "While we have plans to introduce some new initiatives, our main goal is to continue the tradition of excellence established throughout the 56 years of this family business."

Siobhan echoes Ed's sentiments, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the high standards for which Goresbridge Horse Sales is known. "We're not looking to make drastic changes right away," she explained. "Our focus is on getting settled in and ensuring a seamless transition for our clients."

Ed Donohoe with Róisín McGrath, Operations Manager and Orlaith O'Neill, Accounts Manager at Goresbridge Horse Sales (Photo by Vicky Comerford)

As Ed and Siobhan look to the future, they do so with a sense of optimism and anticipation. With a new generation poised to take the reins, the legacy of Goresbridge Horse Sales is set to continue, guided by the same principles instilled by Martin and Mary Frances. Despite their plans to uphold tradition, the couple are not afraid to innovate. They teased the launch of a new point-to-point thoroughbred sale, set to debut in April. "We're always looking for ways to evolve and adapt to the needs of our customers," Ed emphasized.

While its live auctions remain a cornerstone of the business, the introduction of online auctions has opened doors to a broader audience, facilitating seamless transactions and fostering connections within the global equestrian community.

"Martin and Mary Frances' online platform for selling sport horses at Goresbridge, launched during Covid, has transformed how we sell," Ed explained. "It's broadened our reach and been a big success. They've helped sellers present their horses better with quality videos, boosting buyer confidence. By providing potential buyers with comprehensive insights and confidence in their online purchases, we've witnessed a surge in interest from individuals across America and Europe. This investment shows our dedication to improving the online buying experience and driving continued growth in the digital marketplace."

Ed and Siobhan’s son Ted (16), has displayed a keen interest in horse and pony sales. Ted worked on the rostrum last year along side Ed and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Siobhan is eagerly anticipating the grand reopening of Gorebridge Saddlery this September, just in time for their flagship September sales. "I'm thrilled to announce the relaunch of Gorebridge Saddlery, it’s a vital resource for our valued customers," she says.

"In addition to our traditional offerings of tack and equestrian wear, we're elevating the experience by introducing a fashion line. Collaborating with an esteemed Irish family business, we'll showcase exquisite Donegal tweeds, wax jackets, outerwear, and hats – all perfect for a day at the races. Embracing our Irish heritage, we're also proud to feature some local Kilkenny brands."

To capture the essence of this exciting expansion, the tack shop will be rebranded as Goresbridge Saddlery & A Height of Fashion. 

"The new name pays homage to the legendary racehorse 'A Height of Fashion,' that was trained by Paddy Mullins and owned by Eds grand-uncle," says Siobhan.

 "In one of her last interviews Mrs Maureen Mullins claimed, ‘that mare put the Mullins racing name on the map’. The new name is a symbol of excellence synonymous with the Donohoe family legacy and the renowned Mullins racehorse dynasty."

The legacy of excellence that Ed’s parents Ned and Kitty Donohoe envisioned more than five decades ago lives on. Ed and Siobhan expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by Ed’s late father Ned and his mother Kitty. "We're incredibly fortunate to be building upon such a strong legacy," Ed says. "It's an honour to carry on the tradition."

"We have a five-year strategy in place, and we're excited to see where it takes us," Siobhan says. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure that Goresbridge Horse Sales remains a premier destination for buyers and sellers alike."

Ted, Hannah, Siobhan & Ed Donohoe (Photo by Vickey Comerford)

SUCCESSION

With roots firmly planted in the family business, Ed's journey is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

"I grew up in Goresbridge," Ed reminisces, "and from a very early age, I would have been extremely involved," Ed says. 

He reflects on his formative years spent mucking out stables and the hustle and bustle of the sales ring, where his passion for horses was ignited.

While Ed's father laid the foundation for what would become Goresbridge Horse Sales in 1968, tragedy struck with his untimely passing in 1978. Left to carry on the family legacy, Ed's mother, with a newborn on the way and nine other children to raise, courageously forged ahead, refusing to let adversity dampen her spirit.

"Our uncles had suggested cancelling the sales," Ed recalls, "but my mother, in her wisdom, saw it differently. 'Who's going to feed all these young fellas?' she'd said. And so, she drove it on."

Siobhan emphasises Mrs Kitty Donohoe's importance. "She's a key figure here, and we appreciate her advice. She kept the sales going and drove them on. Even now, living in Goresbridge, she still pays an interest, especially on busy sales days."

In the early 2000s, Ed’s older brother Martin took over Goresbridge Horse Sales. Over the following twenty years, he led the business to greater success, enhancing its reputation and making it a vital part of the Irish equestrian world.

Ed speaks with pride of his years growing up at Goresbridge Horse Sales. "I've been the main auctioneer here for the last 25 years and intend to continue selling on the rostrum as I love selling over the hammer," he says. "I've been very involved all the time. I started selling saddlery here at the age of 16 and I began selling ponies at 18. I'd say I didn't maybe miss one or two sales ever."

Siobhan grew up on a dairy farm in Bennettsbridge, where riding my pony had to wait until all the cows were milked and the calves tended to. She also cherishes her early riding lessons with Roberta Dowling at Warrington Equestrian, which later came full circle when her children took lessons from the same instructor. Nowadays, she finds herself driving and grooming for her children at their showjumping events.

Siobhan's diverse background in finance, marketing, and media equips her with a wealth of expertise for her role at Goresbridge. She currently works in media for the Kilkenny People and serves as a multimedia presenter at racing meetings and sporting events nationwide.

"In my capacity at Goresbridge, my focus will be on marketing, public relations, and communications, encompassing the entire Goresbridge brand experience," Siobhan explains. "This includes everything from enhancing our food offerings to launching our new tack shop, ensuring that every aspect of the Goresbridge experience reflects our commitment to excellence."

FLAGSHIP SALES

Throughout the year, Goresbridge Horse Sales plays host to a series of special events and elite auctions, attracting high-profile buyers and sellers from around the world. These gatherings serve not only as showcases for top-level talent but also as forums for networking, collaboration, and celebration within the equestrian community.

Of notable significance is the international six days September sale showcasing an array of equine talent spanning various ages, with offerings extending from promising three-year-olds to seasoned veterans and widely regarded as one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Europe.

“Go For Gold sale is our flagship which was set up by Martin and Mary Frances some years ago and probably the most important sale in the Irish Sport Horse calendar, where horses are selected by a panel of horse experts that are sold in November over a gala dinner,” says Ed.

“It's a select sale of Irish eventers that most breeders want to be a part of, and buyers come from all over, including England, Europe, and America. A lot of breeders target this sale because it's quite difficult to get a horse into, due to the high standard.”  

GORESBRIDGE GRADUATES

Horses that have been bought in Goresbridge Horse Sales compete successfully throughout the world and some of the most notable include Dougie Douglas who was bought in Gorebridge as a three-year-old and was sold at a Gorebridge Showjumping Sale for €1.4 million. 

Of course, everybody is now familiar with Shark Hanlon's Hewick who was bought for €850 at a thoroughbred sale in Goresbridge. Hewick famously won the 2023 King George among various other Grade 1 races and is one of the nation’s favourites for the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National.   

Donohoe Town & Country

In addition to their roles at Goresbridge Horse Sales, Ed also operates a successful estate agency known as Donohoe Town and Country, further expanding their presence in Kilkenny. “With the support of our dedicated team of five staff members, we have established ourselves as leaders in selling country homes, land, and residential properties.” Ed remarks.

“Donohoe Town and County is a well-established and efficiently run business, thanks to our exceptional staff. As we continue to drive forward with both Donohoe Properties and Goresbridge Horse Sales, we recognize the importance of having a talented team around us, and we are fortunate to have such a team in both ventures. It's an exciting time for us as we continue to expand and thrive in both our endeavours,” concludes Ed.

As they embark on this new chapter, Ed, and Siobhan along with their two children Ted (16) and Hannah (14) are eager to put their own stamp on Goresbridge Horse Sales. Young Ted has already spent the past year on the rostum beside his Dad. Both children enjoy showjumping and attend most of the shows nationwide. 

With plans for targeted sales and a renewed focus on marketing and brand development, the future looks bright for this iconic institution. As they look forward to the year ahead, one thing remains abundantly clear: the legacy of Goresbridge Horse Sales is built to endure.