Leeside loses another soccer legend as Barry Notley passes away unexpectedly

There was widespread sadness in Cork football circles following the passing of former Cork Celtic player Barry Notley, who died suddenly at his home in Blackrock on Friday morning at the age of 75.

Barry belonged to a special generation of cross-channel footballers who came to Leeside during the game’s golden era and left a lasting imprint on the local sport. 

Arriving from England’s East Midlands at a time when Cork clubs were rebuilding and reimagining themselves, he became one of a talented group of players whose skill and commitment helped restore excitement to the terraces and brought supporters flocking once more to Turner’s Cross and Flower Lodge.

Alongside team mates such as Alex Ludzic, Richard Brooks, Dave Wigginton, Carl Davenport, Tony Marsden, Keith Edwards, Jerry Coyne, Sonny Sweeney and John Lawson, he played a central role in an exciting period for the sport, complementing experienced professionals such as Dave Bacuzzi and Bobby Tambling.

Before coming to Ireland, Barry had earned a reputation as a prolific scorer with Burton Albion, performances that secured him a move to Derby County. 

Cork Celtic manager Amby Fogarty, renowned for spotting value signings around Derby and Nottingham, brought him to Leeside in 1969. 

Notley quickly made his mark, finishing as the club’s leading scorer in the 1970–71 season with ten goals.

A return to England followed, where he became the first signing of Nuneaton Borough’s new player-manager David Pleat. 

Barry immediately endeared himself to supporters by scoring on his debut against former club Derby County and finished the 1971–72 season as Nuneaton’s top scorer with 22 goals. 

His unexpected return to Cork shortly afterwards triggered a complicated transfer dispute involving Nuneaton, Cork Celtic and Limerick, then managed by Fogarty, before the League ultimately ruled in Celtic’s favour.

The years that followed would produce the defining chapter of Barry’s career. 

After a difficult start to the 1973–74 campaign, including a heavy defeat away to Bohemians, Cork Celtic staged a remarkable revival to capture the League of Ireland championship — the only league title in the club’s history.

On 7 April 1974, emotional scenes unfolded at Turner’s Cross as Celtic defeated St Patrick’s Athletic 3–0 to secure the title. 

Supporters crowded the touchline long before the final whistle, eager to celebrate with a team that had finally delivered long-awaited success. Equally at home in defence or attack, Barry proved an invaluable member of that side, making 20 appearances and contributing nine goals during the historic campaign.

In 1975, he joined Albert Rovers in the Munster Senior League and later returned to League of Ireland football with the club when they replaced the financially troubled Cork Hibernians. 

He etched his name into their history by scoring Albert Rovers’ first League goal in a 2–1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers at Flower Lodge.

The latter stages of his playing career saw him move between League and non-League football as Albert Rovers evolved into Cork United. 

He finished his League of Ireland days with United before the club’s expulsion in 1982 brought senior League football in Cork to a temporary halt.

Barry’s love of the game never faded. He joined Douglas Hall, captaining them to a Premier League and AOH Cup double in the 1983–84 season, and later represented the AUL Oscar Traynor side. 

Turning to refereeing, he rose quickly through the ranks and officiated at many prestigious finals, earning widespread respect for his fairness and knowledge of the game.

Across decades as player, captain and referee, Barry Notley gave outstanding service to Cork football and remained a familiar and respected figure within the sport. 

His contribution was fittingly recognised when he was inducted into the Cork Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022.

He will be fondly remembered by teammates, opponents and supporters alike, and by all who shared in a remarkable era of Cork football history