Paddy Barry (St. Vincent's)
Encyclopedia
Paddy Barry is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club St. Vincent's
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1962 until 1974. Barry captained Cork to the All-Ireland
title in 1970.
in 1941. At a young age the family moved to Blarney Street on the nothside of the city. He was educated locally and later spent over thirty years working as a laboratory technician at University College Cork.
at the age of seven with the local St. Vincent's
club. He first tasted success when he won a county minor hurling title
in 1957 at the age of 15. Barry played as a half-forward in that game, however, two years later he was persuaded to try out as the goalkeeper on the team. It was an inspired move as Barry turned out to be an excellent shot-stopper. He later went on to have some other minor successes with his club.
title in this grade with the side but lost the subsequent All-Ireland final to Carlow
.
Two years later in 1962 Barry made his senior hurling debut in a National Hurling League
game against Kilkenny
. The following year Mick Cashman
retired and Barry became the first-choice goalkeeper for the senior team. The decade after the 1956 All-Ireland final appearance was a bleak period for Cork’s senior hurling team. Barry lost his position to Finbarr O'Neill of Glen Rover
in 1965, however, he was back in 1966. It tunred out to be a special year in the annals of Cork hurling. That year Cork avoided Tipperary
, their old tormentors in the provincial championship, and qualified for a Munster showdown with Waterford
. An entertaining hour of hurling followed, however, victory went to Cork for the first time in ten years. It was Barry's first senior Munster
medal. This victory allowed Cork to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where arch-rivals Kilkenny
provided the opposition. It was the first meeting of these two great sides since 1947 and ‘the Cats’ were installed as the firm favourites. In spite of this two goals by Colm Sheehan
and a third from John O'Halloran
gave Cork a merited 3-9 to 1-10 victory over an Eddie Keher
inspired Kilkenny. It was Barry's first senior All-Ireland
medal. His performances also earned him a coveted Cú Chulainn award for hurling.
Tipperary emerged as the Munster champions in both 1967 and 1968, however, Cork were back in 1969. That year Barry tasted success early in the year when Cork defeated Wexford by 3-12 to 1-14 to take the National Hurling League title. This victory gave Cork a huge boost going into the Munster campaign where the team qualified to meet Tipperary in the final. Cork were out to avenge the nine-point defeat administered by the same side in 1968 while Tipp were out to capture a third provincial title in-a-row. The game was a major triumph for Cork as ‘the Rebels’ won by 4-6 to 0-9. It was a victory that made up for all the beatings that Tipp had dished out to Cork in the early part of the decade and it gave Barry a second Munster winners’ medal. Once again this victory paved the way for an All-Ireland showdown with Kilkenny. The game was there for the taking for Cork, particularly after Kilkenny forward Pat Delaney
left the field on a stretcher. ‘The Rebels’ led ‘the Cats’ coming into the last quarter, however, Kilkenny scored five unanswered points in the last seven minutes to win by 2-15 to 2-9.
In 1970 Cork were still regarded as one of the best teams in the country and expectations were high. Barry was given the great honour of being appointed captain for the year. At the start of the season Cork defeated New York
with an aggregate score of 5-21 to 6-16 to take the National League title. It was Barry's second winners’ medal in the competition. For the third year in-a-row Cork qualified for the Munster final where Tipperary provided the opposition. It was the first eighty minute final in the history of the provincial championship and a close affair developed. At the final whistle Cork were the victors by 3-10 to 3-8 and Barry captured his third Munster title. Cork later qualified for the All-Ireland final where Wexford were the opponents. That game broke all records with a huge 64-point score line. Cork's Eddie O'Brien
scored a hat-trick of goals to help his team to a 6-21 to 5-10 victory. It was Barry's second All-Ireland medal while he also had the honour of accepting the Liam McCarthy Cup
.
Defeat was Cork’s lot in 1971, however, the team bounced back in 1972. After playing in goal in the National League victory over Limerick Barry later lined out against Clare
in the Munster final. An absolute rout took place on that occasion as Cork recorded a huge 6-18 to 2-8 victory over the ‘banner’ men. It was Barry's fourth Munster winners’ medal. Another comprehensive victory over surprise package London
in the All-Ireland semi-final allowed Cork to advance to the championship decider where, once again, Kilkenny provided the opposition. The game itself is regarded as one of the classic games of the modern era. With time running out Cork were cruising to victory and led ‘the Cats’ by eight points. A Kilkenny fight-back, however, saw the team draw level with Cork and score seven further points without reply to capture a 3-24 to 5-11 victory. It was a huge blow to a Cork team that seemed destined for victory.
Cork lost their provincial crown in to Limerick in 1973, however, in 1974 the team bounced back with Barry capturing a third National League medal. Barry played his last game for Cork in the first round of the Munster Championship in 1974. The game itself was not a good one for Barry. Just before half-time, with Cork struggling, Martin Geary of Waterford pulled a ball to the Cork net. Barry broke his stick in the exchanges and as the umpire, Jim Kirby of Limerick
, stepped up to wave the green flag, Barry flung away the heavy end of his goalie hurley in disgust and caught the umpire high on the thigh. He duly received a red card and was sent off the field. It was his last appearance for Cork.
in the inter-provincial hurling championship where he played alongside his championship rivals from Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Waterford. He played for his province on one occasion in 1967, however, Munster were defeated by Leinster
on that occasion.
and All-Ireland
titles in that grade.
In 2000 the hurling experts were charged with picking a Cork Hurling Team of the Century. Barry, regarded by many as one of Cork's greatest goalkeepers, was beaten for the number-one position by Ger Cunningham
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He played hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club St. Vincent's
St. Vincent's GAA (Cork)
St. Vincent's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Blarney Street and Sundays Well parts of Cork city, Ireland. It also includes in its catchment area Gurranabraher, Churchfield and Knocknaheeny. Teams are fielded in Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. The club participates in...
and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1962 until 1974. Barry captained Cork to the All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title in 1970.
Biography
Paddy Barry was born in the Bandon Road area of CorkCork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
in 1941. At a young age the family moved to Blarney Street on the nothside of the city. He was educated locally and later spent over thirty years working as a laboratory technician at University College Cork.
Club
Barry started playing Gaelic gamesGaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
at the age of seven with the local St. Vincent's
St. Vincent's GAA (Cork)
St. Vincent's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Blarney Street and Sundays Well parts of Cork city, Ireland. It also includes in its catchment area Gurranabraher, Churchfield and Knocknaheeny. Teams are fielded in Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. The club participates in...
club. He first tasted success when he won a county minor hurling title
Cork Minor Hurling Championship
The Cork Minor Hurling Championship is a hurling competition for Gaelic Athletic Association players under the age of 18 in County Cork, Ireland. This competition is also known as the Cork Premier Minor Hurling Championship since 1992. It is played on a countywide basis. Prior to 1992, all teams...
in 1957 at the age of 15. Barry played as a half-forward in that game, however, two years later he was persuaded to try out as the goalkeeper on the team. It was an inspired move as Barry turned out to be an excellent shot-stopper. He later went on to have some other minor successes with his club.
Inter-county
In 1959 Barry was spotted by the Cork minor hurling selectors. He played on the inter-county team that year but ended up on the losing side in the Munster final. In 1960 Barry played on the Cork junior hurling team. He won a MunsterMunster Junior Hurling Championship
The Munster Junior Hurling Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council....
title in this grade with the side but lost the subsequent All-Ireland final to Carlow
Carlow GAA
The Carlow County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Carlow GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Carlow and the Carlow inter-county teams.-Gaelic football:...
.
Two years later in 1962 Barry made his senior hurling debut in a National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
game against Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
. The following year Mick Cashman
Mick Cashman
Mick Cashman was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team in the 1950s and 1960s.-Club:...
retired and Barry became the first-choice goalkeeper for the senior team. The decade after the 1956 All-Ireland final appearance was a bleak period for Cork’s senior hurling team. Barry lost his position to Finbarr O'Neill of Glen Rover
Glen Rovers GAA
Glen Rovers is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Ballyvolane and Blackpool areas of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1916 and is primarily concerned with the game of hurling.-Colours:...
in 1965, however, he was back in 1966. It tunred out to be a special year in the annals of Cork hurling. That year Cork avoided Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
, their old tormentors in the provincial championship, and qualified for a Munster showdown with Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
. An entertaining hour of hurling followed, however, victory went to Cork for the first time in ten years. It was Barry's first senior Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
medal. This victory allowed Cork to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where arch-rivals Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
provided the opposition. It was the first meeting of these two great sides since 1947 and ‘the Cats’ were installed as the firm favourites. In spite of this two goals by Colm Sheehan
Colm Sheehan
Colm Sheehan is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Éire Óg and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1965 until 1968.-Club:...
and a third from John O'Halloran
John O'Halloran
John O'Halloran is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local clubs UCC and Blackrock and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1963 until 1969.-Inter-county:...
gave Cork a merited 3-9 to 1-10 victory over an Eddie Keher
Eddie Keher
Edward Peter Keher , better known as Eddie Keher, is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game....
inspired Kilkenny. It was Barry's first senior All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal. His performances also earned him a coveted Cú Chulainn award for hurling.
Tipperary emerged as the Munster champions in both 1967 and 1968, however, Cork were back in 1969. That year Barry tasted success early in the year when Cork defeated Wexford by 3-12 to 1-14 to take the National Hurling League title. This victory gave Cork a huge boost going into the Munster campaign where the team qualified to meet Tipperary in the final. Cork were out to avenge the nine-point defeat administered by the same side in 1968 while Tipp were out to capture a third provincial title in-a-row. The game was a major triumph for Cork as ‘the Rebels’ won by 4-6 to 0-9. It was a victory that made up for all the beatings that Tipp had dished out to Cork in the early part of the decade and it gave Barry a second Munster winners’ medal. Once again this victory paved the way for an All-Ireland showdown with Kilkenny. The game was there for the taking for Cork, particularly after Kilkenny forward Pat Delaney
Pat Delaney (Kilkenny hurler)
Pat Delaney is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Fenians and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1969 until 1977.-Club:...
left the field on a stretcher. ‘The Rebels’ led ‘the Cats’ coming into the last quarter, however, Kilkenny scored five unanswered points in the last seven minutes to win by 2-15 to 2-9.
In 1970 Cork were still regarded as one of the best teams in the country and expectations were high. Barry was given the great honour of being appointed captain for the year. At the start of the season Cork defeated New York
New York GAA
The New York County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or New York GAA, is one of the county boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in the New York metropolitan area...
with an aggregate score of 5-21 to 6-16 to take the National League title. It was Barry's second winners’ medal in the competition. For the third year in-a-row Cork qualified for the Munster final where Tipperary provided the opposition. It was the first eighty minute final in the history of the provincial championship and a close affair developed. At the final whistle Cork were the victors by 3-10 to 3-8 and Barry captured his third Munster title. Cork later qualified for the All-Ireland final where Wexford were the opponents. That game broke all records with a huge 64-point score line. Cork's Eddie O'Brien
Eddie O'Brien (hurler)
Eddie O'Brien is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Passage and with the Cork senior inter-county team in the 1960s and 1970s.-Biography:...
scored a hat-trick of goals to help his team to a 6-21 to 5-10 victory. It was Barry's second All-Ireland medal while he also had the honour of accepting the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
.
Defeat was Cork’s lot in 1971, however, the team bounced back in 1972. After playing in goal in the National League victory over Limerick Barry later lined out against Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
in the Munster final. An absolute rout took place on that occasion as Cork recorded a huge 6-18 to 2-8 victory over the ‘banner’ men. It was Barry's fourth Munster winners’ medal. Another comprehensive victory over surprise package London
London GAA
The London County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or London GAA is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in London...
in the All-Ireland semi-final allowed Cork to advance to the championship decider where, once again, Kilkenny provided the opposition. The game itself is regarded as one of the classic games of the modern era. With time running out Cork were cruising to victory and led ‘the Cats’ by eight points. A Kilkenny fight-back, however, saw the team draw level with Cork and score seven further points without reply to capture a 3-24 to 5-11 victory. It was a huge blow to a Cork team that seemed destined for victory.
Cork lost their provincial crown in to Limerick in 1973, however, in 1974 the team bounced back with Barry capturing a third National League medal. Barry played his last game for Cork in the first round of the Munster Championship in 1974. The game itself was not a good one for Barry. Just before half-time, with Cork struggling, Martin Geary of Waterford pulled a ball to the Cork net. Barry broke his stick in the exchanges and as the umpire, Jim Kirby of Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
, stepped up to wave the green flag, Barry flung away the heavy end of his goalie hurley in disgust and caught the umpire high on the thigh. He duly received a red card and was sent off the field. It was his last appearance for Cork.
Provincial
Barry also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial hurling championship where he played alongside his championship rivals from Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Waterford. He played for his province on one occasion in 1967, however, Munster were defeated by Leinster
Leinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
on that occasion.
Post-playing career
In retirement from play Barry maintained a keen interest in the game. He served as a selector with the Cork under-21 hurling team in 1988. It was a successful year as Cork captured both the MunsterMunster Under-21 Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Under-21 Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for players aged between 18 and 21 in the province of Munster in Ireland...
and All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of hurling played in Ireland...
titles in that grade.
In 2000 the hurling experts were charged with picking a Cork Hurling Team of the Century. Barry, regarded by many as one of Cork's greatest goalkeepers, was beaten for the number-one position by Ger Cunningham
Ger Cunningham
Ger Cunningham is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club St. Finbarr's and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1981 until 1998. Cunningham is regarded as one of the greatest hurling goalkeepers of all-time.Cunningham's status as one of Cork's...