Barry’s enthusiasm and passion was awe-inspiring

The late Barry Clifford was a great ambassador for the GAA in Kerry.
Picture: RIP.ie

THE unexpected and untimely passing of popular Barry Clifford has caused widespread shock and sadness and it has robbed the GAA in Kerry of one of its great ambassadors.

The Castlevove man was a legendary figure in South Kerry football and the driving force behind his beloved Derrynane club. In recent years he was a super-efficient PRO for the South Kerry Board and his voice became very familiar on the airwaves.

In a statement, the South Kerry Board said Barry was a fantastic GAA person with a great interest and love for the game.

“As PRO of the board, his enthusiasm and passion for his post was awe-inspiring. His attention to detail on match day and giving reports was superb,” the board said.

An accomplished and respected referee, Barry devoted so much of his life to the GAA and, in recent times, he derived so much pleasure from the progress and accomplishments of his nephews, Kerry captain David Clifford and his brother Paudie, who won an All-Ireland Junior Championship medal with Kerry, and they both featured on the East Kerry County Championship winning team in 2019.

Derrynane GAA said Barry was a huge part of the club as player, trainer, referee and committee member.

“He took huge pride in being chairperson of Bord na nÓg and he passionately coached and mentored all our underage,” a statement read.

Derrynane GAA Club officials and members will form a guard of honour at White Strand at 4.45pm today and an open invitation has been extended to friends, neighbours and supporters to take part.
Barry, who passed away at Cork University Hospital, will be laid to rest on Monday and, again, Derrynane GAA Club will form a guard of honour in the village.

Predeceased by his father Jamesey, Barry is survived by his wife Ann (née Drummond), sons Jim and Tom, mother Breda, brothers Seamus, Dermot and Fergus, parents-in-law, Val and Gretta, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

© KillarneyToday.com is the 24/7 online news service provided by O’Mahony Media