Mayo mourns passing of popular personality and sportsman Donagh Barry
The death of Donagh Barry, Rathbawn Drive, Castlebar, and late of Mountcharles, Donegal, has evoked a tremendous sense of loss in Mayo's county town.
He died peacefully yesterday in the care of the staff of the Ross Suite, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family.
The deceased was widely popular in the community and was actively involved in the local banking and commercial sector for many years.
He served as manager of the Ulster Bank in Castlebar before joining Hibernian Insurance.
An accomplished rugby player in his youth, he performed with distinction for Castlebar RFC over several seasons before later serving as president of the club in 1985.
Donagh is also a former captain and president of Castlebar Golf Club.
Many warm tributes are being paid to him on social media.
"An abiding memory was in 1985, playing in The Carroll's Irish Open in Royal Dublin. It was a special day for Donagh and us all," stated Frank Murray, a member of Castlebar Golf Club.
"My deepest sympathy to all family and friends on the loss of a fun loving gentleman," he added.
In a tribute Castlebar Rugby Club stated: Our deepest condolences go out to the Barry family at this sad time. Donagh learned his rugby while at Newbridge College (Newbridge College Union).
"He also played rugby with Bective Rangers FC in Dublin before joining Galwegians RFC and finally Castlebar RFC in the mid-1970s. At Castlebar, Donagh served as club captain and president, and was very influential in building our club and setting up underage rugby with others over many years."
Donagh is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Máire, daughter Karen (Gazzo), sons Greg, David and Shane, brothers John, Diarmuid and Kevin, sisters Jackie, Ann, Maeve, Patricia, Evanna, Grainne and Orla, grandchildren Aisling, Aimee (and her mother Dairin), Isabella, Ava, Lewis and Niamh, son-in-law Frank, Greg’s partner Eleanor, daughters-in-law Kate and Julie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.
He was predeceased by his parents Nonie and Jack, brother Rory, nieces Gael and Trish, nephew Christopher, brothers-in-law Peter, Jean and Jack, sisters-in-law Verina and Helen.
Remains will repose Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Monday from 5 p.m. with removal at 7 p.m. to his residence.
Removal from his residence on Tuesday morning at 10.15 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar (via Main Street).
Interment takes place afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.