The Late John Barron It is always a sad occasion when a legend of hurling pass on and the death of John Barron after a long battle with illness was such but in John's case it extended way beyond the wide circle of people in the GAA world who admired and respected him. For John Barron was a true gentleman in every sense of the word whose honesty, decency and good humour, even in adversity and illness, touched all who came in contact with him. An essentially modest man John Barron had much to be proud of in his contribution to his beloved De La Salle and Waterford. John spent most of his working life on the clerical department of Clover Meats in Ferrybank and later years in Waterford Crystal, being a most popular figure in both employments. In Cover Meats John was one of the stars of a great factory league team in the halcyon days of that competition, winning local, provincial and All Ireland honours. It was a valued and versatile member of the great Waterford side of 1957-1963 that John Barron became a national figure in the world of hurling. Renowned for his skill and sportsmanship John won every honour in the game with Waterford and his prowess was duly recognised by his selection on the Munster teams of 1958,'59,'60 and '61. John showed his versatility when he was transformed into a full forward on the Waterford team that won Oirechtas, National League and Munster titles in 1962-'63 and just failed to beat Kilkenny in the 1963 All-Ireland final. John Barron's steadfast loyalty to his club De la Salle through out his career was an example to all from a man who was true to his roots in good times and bad. John Barron has without doubt gone to his reward and all those who knew him are the better for having so done. Knowing John he probably drove through the gates of Heaven on his little red Honda motor bike complete with helmet and long coat as he did throughout his life in Clover and The Glass. Our deepest sympathy extended to his wife, family and wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Waterford News & Star May 2nd 2008 By Phil Fanning Tweet

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