Blackrock mourn loss of great goalkeeper and clubman Trevor Barry

The late Trevor Barry has been described as “someone who was always ready to do anything for anybody”.

Barry, whose death was announced on Wednesday evening, was in goal for Blackrock when they ended a 14-year wait for the Cork SHC title with victory in 1999 and was also the number 1 for the two subsequent victories in 2001 and 2002.

A statement from Blackrock noted that, "above all his sporting achievements, he will be remembered as a loyal friend, a much-loved, quick-witted character and a cherished part of our community."

A son of Paddy – who was Cork’s goalkeeper for the All-Ireland wins of 1966 and 1970 – and Marjorie, Barry was heavily involved in the club at all levels, as were his late brothers Frank and Pat, and current club president Roger Ryan paid tribute to the player and the man.

“He was always the life of the party inside in the clubhouse and, in all fairness, he was a great clubman,” he said.

“He gave his heart and soul to the club for a long, long time and the whole family did – Frankie and Pat were the same.

“We will all certainly miss seeing his smiling face around the club. He was someone who was always ready to do anything for anybody.”

Such hard work was infused with a penchant for fun.

“He had the greatest sense of humour of anyone I know and every club, every team, needs someone like that,” Ryan said.

“There was one year we were short of volunteers to be selectors and someone asked me to put my name forward but when the names came out, I wasn’t among them.

“I asked Trevor what happened and he put his on my shoulder and said, ‘Roger, you’re not as popular at all as you think you are!’

“I was secretary for most of his career. In the years where you’d be coming towards the serious end of the championship, we’d always have the cup of tea and few cakes after training.

“I’d have the two trays of cakes inside in the bar and Trevor would always be the first one in! He’d walk away with two fistfuls – ‘You’re a great man Rog, for looking after the team!’”

Barry’s dedication to the Rockies will be remembered and inspire further good works, while the family will be supported by the club.

“They’re near neighbours,” Ryan said, “Paddy and Marjorie only live up the road from the club.

“We will certainly be there to give them our assistance.”