Umpire John Barry has loved his life behind the goal, playing his part in some of the game's biggest days

The GAA umpire is a much-maligned individual.

You get a call right and there’s no praise but get something wrong and abuse can come their way rather quickly.

And what do they get from it all, a cup of team and a post- match meal.

Over the years many men have given their life to the GAA and a catch up with the charismatic Johnny Barry epitomized the love that these people have for the sport.

For Johnny it all began playing with Blackrock side Ballinure took his interest to the GAA although he was a keen soccer player with Ringmahon Rangers.

Born in Mitchelstown Barry moved to Blackrock as a 13 year-old and after his apprenticeship with the Blackrock referee Michael O’Flaherty he moved on to do some umpiring with Na Piarsaigh official John Kearney.

“John was on the inter-county football panel for a few years and then I moved on to the late Willie Horgan of Brian Dillon’s and that was another good experience for me,” added Johnny.

Over the last decade Nemo Rangers have produced some quality referees and Kevin Murphy who later moved to Galway was a top- class official.

“I was with Kevin Murphy who had a great future in the game, but he got married and moved to Galway, so I then moved to another Nemo official in James Dorgan another capable man in the middle.

“To be honest I did a county Minor final with Kevin and a Senior one with James as well as doing Munster championship games in Killarney, so it was all good with these lads as they were involved in doing some top games.” 

When Colm Lyons arrived on the scene 2003 approaching Johnny was a wise move for one of Ireland’s top hurling referees.

“Colm asked me to come on board with him and it was evident from early days he was destined to go right to the top.

“To be fair Colm is a stickler for the rules but to me he has a great understanding of the game and that counts a lot when you are refereeing top games.” 

Over his 12 years with Lyons Johnny was involved at the post in some great games at the post.

“We did a Minor All-Ireland, two Senior club All-Ireland finals and a Senior All-Ireland final in 2022 between Limerick and Kilkenny all great days that have everlasting memories in my head.” 

Johnny now a fit 82 year-old was 78 when doing the Senior All-Ireland final at GAA headquarters so how pressurized did he feel in front of 83,000 spectators?

“Look whether its Ballinlough or Croke Park there is pressure in every game when you have the responsibility of being an umpire and in modern game the speed is frightening, and you have to be so focused.

“I laugh when I think about when I started doing the job you could have your hands in your pockets and although that was also a no-no the pace of the game was so much slower.” 

So for people that are contemplating a voluntary role in umpiring what skills must they possess?

“You have to be committed coupled with total focus but there is great pleasure in the job once you enjoy it.” Over the years Johnny has encountered many goalkeepers but one man in Cork stands for him.

“Donal Og Cusack was always a good man between the posts as he showed umpires respect but look it takes all kinds and when you have that white coat on its all about doing a professional and honest job.” 

After doing many top games one stands for Johnny during his illustrious career.

“The All-Ireland Senior final in 2022 was the pinnacle of my time as I always remember coming out of the tunnel at Croke Park and Colm Lyons looked at me and said we have at last reached the big one and it was a day I will never forget.” 

It's common knowledge that players like having banter with umpires but Johnny believes its all part of the job.

“You will always have a good craic with the majority of players but for me if they want to slag you off then just take it and move on.” 

The current Limerick side are exceptional according to Barry.

“When you look at their physical presence on the pitch its frightening but the majority of them are gentlemen and will always shake your hand when the game is over.” 

There is no stopping Johnny as he is now lending a hand to another Nemo referee Canice Walsh.

“I help Canice who has a good future in the game and I also fall in with Mark Maher whose attitude should be cloned as his approach is spot on but look all the lads do their best in a thankless job for all of us.”