Barrett, Marty
October 07, 2009
The Late Marty Barrett
Mr Marty Barrett who died recently was a well known and respected teacher of Agricultural Science at St. Peter's College in Wexford for 26 years.
A native of Moynardwood in Ballymacward, County Galway. Marty who was 58 years old when he died on September 23, joined the teaching staff of St. Peter's in 1981.
He grew up on a farm, the fifth in a family of 10 and attended the local national school before going to Garbally College where he excelled in academic and sporting life.
He played a major part in the college winning a Connacht senior hurling title and ironically played against St. Peter's in the All-Ireland semi final, a school where he would later spend most of his working life. The Wexford team included Martin Quigley and Larry Byrne among its ranks.
He studied Agricultural Science in UCG before completing his studies in UCD. On his academic journey, he continued to develop and prosper as a sportsman, at club, county and college level.
A crowning moment came in 1972 in the form of an under 21 All-Ireland title with his beloved Galway, their first ever at that level.
Further success followed in 1975 with a national league title at the expense of Tipperary. The same year his team at UCD became Fitzgibbon Cup champions thwarting the ambitions of Maynooth to win three in a row.
Marty went on to win a Dublin Senior Hurling championship with St. Brendan's in Grangegorman. He joined the Faythe Harriers in Wexford town and the following year, he played in the county final that was lost in replay.
While hurling was his first love, Marty would become engrossed in many sports thereafter. He was an accomplished squash and tennis player, a fine rugby player and a very talented golfer. He regarded winning the Howlin Cup at Wexford Golf Club in 1989 as one of his greatest sporting feats.
His other great moment came at Ballybrit Race Court in Galway in 1996. As part of the Phantom Syndicate, he enjoyed one of the great days of his life when his horse Mystical City stormed up the hill under jockey David Casey, a former student at St. Peter's College, to win the prestigious Galway Hurdle. Legend has it that he took the smile off many a bookie at the racecourse that day.
After his arrival at Peter's College, the subject of Agricultural Science flowered under his inspiration and passion. To this day, it is sill one of the most popular subjects on the curriculum.
Marty was a founder member and a driving force behind the foundation of the Irish Agricultural Science Teachers Association in Ireland. It is just one of his many legacies.
He also wrote a regular column for the Irish Farmers Journal to assist students in their preparation for the Leaving Cert.
In Wexford, he established an enormous circle of friends. His bubbly enthusiasm, his fun-loving character, his energy and zest for life made him a must for every party.
Few people knew of his kind works of charity. For a number of years, he gave one night a week to help at Ozanam House for the homeless in Wexford. He also did tremendous work for the charity organisation Bothar.
He travelled widely to South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Zimbabwe, China, USA, Fiji and many other locations. There was one continent he hadn't been to - South America and that was next on his agenda.
Many of his trips coincided with sporting events including the Ryder Cup at the Belfry and three Lions Tours.
He left teaching in September 2007 but unfortunately got little time to enjoy his retirement. He was diagnosed with cancer in December 2007. He faced his illness with remarkable courage and steely determination and he almost beat it.
Two weeks before his death he was full of beans as he planned to resume his golf career. Atlas, it was not to be.
The news of his death was greeted with disbelief and great sadness among his family, friends and colleagues.
A special Mass was celebrated at St. Peter's College which was attended by family, teaching colleagues, students and friends.
His remains were removed to his native Ballymacward in Galway.
His wonderful neighbours in Carriglawn where he lived gave him great support during his illness and a special mention to Bridget who was so good to him as he recuperated.
Marty is survived by his brothers Pat, Micheál, Larry, Alfie and Brendan; his sisters Marian, Olive, Patricia and Bernadette; his brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
A Months Mind Mass will be celebrated on Thursday October 22 in St. Peter's College.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
October 7th 2009
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