The late Barry Geoghegan Locals were stunned and saddened to hear of the sudden death of 19 year old Barry Geoghegan, Wexford Road, Ballincarrig on Friday, December 22, 2006. A past pupil of Askea, Barry was a prominent member of Eire Og GFC and captained the side to the Carlow Minor Football title in 2005 and had numerous friends in the Trinyland area. Deepest sympathies are extended to his parents Tom and Marian, sisters, Emma, Laura and Ciara, brothers Padrac and extended family and friends. Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist 06 January 2006 The late Barry Geoghegan Carlow united in grief as hundreds gathered to lay to rest the late Barry Geoghegan, Orana, Ballincarrig, Carlow. Barry (19) died suddenly on December 22, 2006 at his Dublin apartment, as he got ready to make the journey home to Carlow for Christmas. His sudden death stunned the community of Carlow who collectively grieved the passing of a popular, fun-loving young man just two weeks before his 20th birthday. Son of Tom and Marian Geoghegan, Barry was the youngest of five children. Barry was looking forward to spending time with his family and many friends in Carlow during Christmas and in a tragic twist of fate had Christmas presents for his family and girlfriend Lesley McKenna, packed and ready to go with him on the evening bus to Carlow when his sudden death occurred. At the Requiem Mass at the Holy Family Church Askea, the church overflowed with mourners as hundreds gathered to celebrate the life of Barry. The Mass reflected the aspects of Barry's life he cherished, his family, his girlfriend Lesley, his friends, his sporting life, the music he loved and the joy he brought to the lives of so many. A guard of honour by Eire Og GAA club led the funeral cortege to the church, among them Barry's former Eire Og team mates on the minor team, which Barry captained to a county title in 2005. Chief Celebrant Fr Tom Little was joined by Bishop Jim Moriarty and a number of priests from neighbouring parishes. Fr Little reflected on the shock and sadness felt by many following Barry's sudden death and poignantly spoke about how Barry had endeared himself to so many. The offertory procession led by Fr Liam Morgan reflected Barry's short but enriched life and included a family photograph, an Eire Og jersey, music he enjoyed and poignantly a Christmas present his girlfriend Lesley McKenna had bought for him but sadly never got the chance to give him. At the end of the Mass, Barry's sister Laura, joined by her siblings Emma, Ciara and Padraic thanked the emergency services, gardai, Healy's Funeral Directors, the choir, family, neighbours and many friends who have supported the Geoghegan family during this difficult time. She also spoke fondly of her little brother Barry who was adored by his brother and sisters. "For a short time Barry was with us, he brought joy, laughter, fun and so much more love. His family and friends were so important to him and we all thought the world of him. Barry was kind, thoughtful, funny, loyal, considerate and generous, but above all a loveable rogue. He touched the lives of so many and will never by forgotten. We will miss and love you forever Barry," Laura said. As the remains left the church for burial at St Mary's Cemetery, the choir of young people sang a very moving version of Snow Patrol's 'Run'. Sport played a huge part in Barry's life and as well as captaining Eire Og to a county title in 2005 he also won an All-Ireland Colleges Senior C Final with Presentation College Carlow during his school days in the Presentation College Carlow. Barry had the distinction of playing with Eire Og in two under-12 finals, two under-14 finals, two under-16 finals and a minor final, winning all of them. As an under-14 he went on to play in the All-Ireland Feile in Tipperary and also through his youth, represented his country. As a player, he had a great competitive spirit, was fearless and loved a challenge. He was never fazed by an opponent and inspired those around him with his ability to "win hard ball", to take punishment and drive on for victory. There is no doubt that he would have gone on to achieve great things in senior grade in years to come. Barry also enjoyed soccer and played with Hanover Harps, enjoying tournaments in both Limerick and Manchester. A sociable, friendly young man, Barry's good-hearted nature ensured he made friends whenever he went including Carlow's sister city Tempe, Arizona where he travelled to in 2004 as part of a student exchange. He also possessed an ability to get on with people of all ages and was extremely loyal to friends and family. Barry began working in Bank of Ireland Whitehall, Dublin in September 2006 and prior to that had The Cobra Group Plc Dublin where he received a sales award in 2006 in recognition of excellence. Barry is survived by his parents, Tom and Marian, sisters Emma (Corbett), Laura and Ciara, brother Padraic, girlfriend Lesley, brother in law Alister, Laura and Coara's partner's Bart and Gary, nephew Malachy Corbett, his godparents Mandy Jones and Charlie Butler, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Barry's unexpected death has left a gaping void in our lives but because we were his close friends, we were fortunate to experience his wit, charm, intelligence and humour on a daily basis. Barry was always the life of the party, the centre of attention whether at school, work or in his social life. His carefree attitude to life provided us with endless memories that we will cherish from this moment on. Barry's loyalty and determination were unmatched. He thought of others and these traits ensured that he enjoyed every second of the short time he was with us. Times with him were a laugh a minute, endless incidents that will be recalled everytime we're together. He was the absolute joker, the first with the probing call and loaded questions to put you on the spot but characteristically the first to help you out when problems came. His steely determination and will to succeed was best exemplified on the football field, so unlike his carefree attitude off the field. Barry delighted in getting one over on everybody, relying on his charm and humour to get himself out of impossible situations in school, work or at home. Our abiding image of him...a smile on his face. To us, we have lost one of our family, a friend who can never be replaced but will always be remembered. We will always miss him. Written by friends of Barry's Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 06 January 2007 Tweet

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