Upperchurch Drombane GAA club is saddened by the passing of Fr Phil Barry. A fine hurler, he first came to prominence as part of the Thurles CBS Harty Cup winning team in 1951, playing alongside the likes of Tony Wall. He quickly progressed to the intercounty ranks where he played minor hurling with Tipperary, winning back to back Munster & All Ireland titles in 1952 & 1953. While mainly a sub in 1952, he was a firm fixture of the team at corner back in 1953 as Dublin were defeated in the All Ireland final.
At club level he also made his mark, lining out for Upperchurch Drombane at various stages throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's. In 1955 he played wing back on the number 1 junior team defeated in a high quality mid final by Thurles Sarsfields. 1966 was to be the highlight year though as he was centre forward when the club claimed the mid title against Boherlahan. The following few years saw him soldier with the team as they competed at senior level.
His playing career was curtailed somewhat by his working life in the US & UK, first in regular employment and then after his calling to the religious life with the Pallotine Fathers. He was well revered by all he served and dealt with. However he never lost his sense of home and community and eventually moved back to Ireland in the 2000's.
The club would like to extend it's sympathies to all the Barry family and Fr Phil's extended relatives and friends.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
