The late Henry Barry They came from all corners to render their last respects to a man, respected for his honesty, endeavour, kindness, and friendship. Henry Barry was laid to rest beside his lovely daughter; Biddy, who predeceased him by nearly nine years, in the ground of Kilbride Cemetery, a place not a hen's kick down the road from where he reared a fine family with his wife and friend of over 60 years, Nellie in their home in Ahenure. He led a chequered life for most of his 83 years, from the time he first saw the light of day in Kilree, Kells in 1924. His life was closely associated with the land, and he farmed many an acre with the farming community around his birthplace. After marrying his wife, of over 60 years - they celebrated with all their family, neighbours and friends as only the Barry family know how to celebrate - himself and Nellie settled to rear a fine family in Callan. Times were not too easy for the working masses during the 1960s, 1970s and even into the 1980s, but believing in the dictum that man will have his rewards through hard work, Henry Barry never finished from putting in an honest day for whichever employer was prepared to give him his worth. He worked around the Callan area at farming, particularly with Pat Lennon, a building and farming contractor, Bretts Millers and for years, he was also gainfully employed in the rising tide of construction in Kilkenny City with Denis Treacy Buildings. Outside the work ethic, Henry Barry had only two great loves. His family of course was top of the list, but hurling was his fix. He was fond of the odd bottle, but no publican got rich on the back of Henry Barry's alcoholic consumption, even though he gave plenty of his spare time in public houses. With his great friend and spouse, wherever and whenever Kilkenny were hurling, it was there you would see Henry and Nellis. Like peas in a pod, they were the Siamese twins of Kilkenny supporters. From Fair to Mizen, Henry and Nellie - at least were there. Betimes there would be plenty more in the "ould banger", like Sean Holden, and their own kids, but unlike other so-called hurling households where the woman of the house had to give way if a more deserving client was stuck for a lift, Nellie Barry was never left at home. Henry wouldn't go without her. Many is the memory one would have of the pair of them being on the back seat of the bus, as it arrived from Nolan's garage on the Coolagh Road outside the Call-In on the way to Croker, or Thurles or wherever. They always ensured that the back seat would be theirs by getting on the bus in the garage first, before the crowd. There was a kind of ritualistic demeanour to the operation. Jack Griffin, and Paddy Stapelton were always up front, behind Eddie Nolan, the driver. Eddie was always the preferred driver, as he was a little hastier than his brother, the dearly departed Jackie. Haulie Holden and Mary had their traditional spot, while Danny McCarthy would be nowhere further forward then the back axle, because he would get sick - his story. Jimmy Mullins, his young son Brendan, and John "Clohessy" Dalton would be picked up at Ballymack, and it was always a happy bunch headed out from the little parish. Disney Walsh provided provided the singing, and everybody went and came home happy. Kilkenny seldom lost in those times. For years, one wondered about the scrum that always took place at the back of the bus before setting out. Only in latter years did one find out, that Nellie brought a colossal bag of sandwiches and flasks of sweet tea to all the matches. She brought a "few for herself and himself", but the twine message bag - remember them? - would be bursting. She fed nearly half of the busload, and had a few left for the return journey. The stories are myriad, the memories everlasting. Others will have their memories, and they have gathered mileage, and exaggeration since Henry's passing. Music was yet another of Henry's loves. He was happiest when pullin' and squeezin' his trusty squeezebox. At the drop of a cap Henry would be on the way to play at some wedding, birthday party, or session. He was hugely instrumental in cultivating a love for a our Irish music by his son, Billy, who is till on the session circuit with his band, the Highway Men. But above other musical reminiscences one might have about Henry, he will forever be synonymous with the Callan Wren boys of St Stephens Day. One remembers a time when the Callan Wren entertained from windgap to the Slate Quarries, from Mullinahone to Lismolyn, from ballingarry to Kilkenny, from Dunnamaggin to Callan. One sees in one's inner memory, Danny Shea clatterin' the livin bejasus out of his Big Drum, as Henry, Doc Kirwan, Stretch Henessy, Disney Walsh, Billy and a couple of more did the rounds. One remembers on more than one occasion, when Georgie Hennessy was wheeled around from village to village, dressed as a baby in a pram. Great times, great memories, so much harmless fun. Henry's funeral rites were stylishly rendered, with appropriate memorabilia, dialogue, and a graveside rendition of The Rose of Mooncoin, as befitting a man of his standing. His many children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends were represented at the obsequies. The major political parties were well represented. Hurling too had its presence, and one of the great sources of hurling joy for Henry and Nellie was the presence of Callan's John Power on a Kilkenny team. They never failed to call him to wish him luck before ever game played, and congratulations were coming down the track after every success. In summation, one must say that Henry Barry left a commendable legacy behind him. He earned everything he ever had, working with an unbridled honesty for whomever wanted an upright decent man. HE surely will be missed by many, but most especially by his life-long friend, confidante and spouse, Nellie. Leaving is wrought with such sadness, but arriving to where we are told the sun never sets will be so beautifully gratifying for him. Waiting with a new squeezebox and a fine welcome will be his darling daughter, Biddy, to whom he was extremely attached. They threw away the mould which was used to create people like Henry Barry. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 4 May 2007 Tweet

Most Read Stories