Munster Express Online

All who were indeed privileged to make his acquaintance were saddened to learn of the death which occurred on Saturday, 20th February of Michael (Mick) Barry, Oak Crescent, Riverstown, Tramore. Formerly of Islandtarsney, Fenor who was predeceased by his wife Brigid.

Aged eighty six years, Mick was a worthy member of the old school of workers and during his years working with Waterford County Council as a member of their outdoor staff his application to the task in hand, integrity, unassuming courtesy and quiet sense of humour were truly appreciated by employers, working colleagues and friends alike. He was always welcome in whatever company he found himself and his cheerful presence will be sadly missed at the card table. Accordingly many now grieve for the void Mick’s sad death leaves and will have a special personal anecdote of a special friend. Many tributes have been paid to his memory but perhaps the finest was provided mutely by the large number of sympathisers attending the removal from Waterford Regional Hospital to Holy Cross Church, Tramore, testifying to the esteem and high regard in which Mick and his family are held. The remains were received and blessed on arrival by Monsignor John Shine. At the Requiem Mass prior to burial in Butlerstown Cemetery, Monsignor Shine said that our prayer for Mick was in the words of the entrance hymn ‘Come Follow Me and I will give you rest’. Death is always a time of sadness for somebody as a chapter closes. It can also be a time of thanksgiving as we think of what they did for us and what they meant to us down the years, the times of sharing and happiness. We think of all the experiences and times of joy shared with them. As time moves on people will be grateful for having known Mick Barry and having him as part of their lives. It was also a time for forgiveness as we ask God to be good to Mick and a time for hope that Jesus would ‘turn darkness into light’ as the final chapter as he has gone to a new world where the Lord is the centre and meaning of it all.

The Prayer of the Faithful remembered with gratitude all who cared for Mick, especially John, Willie, Peggy and Chrissie. May the Lord reward them for their goodness.

Sincere sympathy in their sad loss is extended to his bereaved son Michael, daughters Maureen and Breda, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends.