The death occurred recently at his home in Kilmore after an illness borne with great courage and dignity of Barthlomew O'Leary, affectionately known as Bart or Batty to his family and many friends.
He was a past pupil of Scoil na mBuachailli, Ballingeary and Colaiste Iosagain, Ballyvourney and was an active member of the Colaiste football team. Joining An Garda Siochana he served for many years in Swanlinbar, Ballycotton and Blackrock - where he became a detective garda. His last position was in Bantry, where he served for 15 years before taking early retirement.
He played for Beal Atha'n Ghaorthaidh in his younger days and always held a great passion for the club. He went on to be cathaoirleach of An Cumann Peile and, during that time, got involved with the pitch and clubhouse developments and under pressure, it was ready for Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta in 2007.
Batty was also chairman of the board of management of Scoil Fhionnbarra. It was a fitting tribute to a man with such a big heart that so many guards, detectives, Cumann Peile members and pupils and teachers of Scoil Fhionnbarra turned out to form guards of honour at his funeral.
Batty will be sadly missed locally, but especially by his family and a wide circle of great friends - to whom sympathy was extended.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal dilis. Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann.

Southern Star, 21st September 2013 Tweet

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