‘A genius on the rugby field’: Tributes pour in following death of former Ireland international
Barry McGann earned 25 caps for the national team and came within inches of leading Ireland to their first ever victory over the All Blacks
Hall of Fame inductee Barry McGann at the 2017 Munster Rugby Awards(Image: INPHO/James Crombie)
Tributes have been paid to former Ireland rugby international Barry McGann who sadly passed away this weekend at the age of 77.
Barry, who was originally from Co Cork but had been living in Greystones, Co Wicklow, passed away peacefully on Saturday in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.
A death notice shared on RIP.ie said Barry will be “deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Valerie (née O’Neill) of 53 years, daughters Jeanne, Sue, Jackie and Cathy, son John, sister Máire, brother Seán, sons-in-law Damian, Stephen and David, daughter-in-law Jen, sisters-in-law Margaret, Marie, Trish and Kay, brother-in-law Charlie and all his adoring grandchildren – Katie, Conor, Cillian, Amy, Holly, Isabel, Ana, Aisling, Lucy, Thea and Zara, extended family, neighbours, and large circle of friends.”
Born in Cork in 1948, Barry was a talented sportsman who played rugby, golf, cricket, soccer, Gaelic football, and hurling growing up.
His talents on the soccer field saw Barry earn a number of caps for Ireland’s underage sides and he was reportedly offered a trial at Manchester United, while he later played with Shelbourne in Dublin.
Hall of Fame inductee Barry McGann presented with his honour by Tommy O’Donnell and Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby CEO at the 2017 Munster Rugby Awards(Image: INPHO/James Crombie)
However, Barry chose to focus his attention on rugby and he lead his school, Presentation Brothers College, to the Munster Schools Senior Cup in 1966.
After leaving school, Barry joined Cork Constitution before he transferred to Lansdowne after moving to Dublin in 1969.
He was called into the Ireland squad when starting fly-half Mike Gibson picked up an injury. Barry impressed against France as he helped Ireland to their first win against the opposition in 11 years.
He earned a total of 25 caps for Ireland, scoring 60 points over the course of his international career.
Perhaps his most famous moment in an Ireland shirt was in the legendary match against New Zealand at Lansdowne Road win January 1973.
Barry kicked two penalties to keep Ireland in contention against the All Blacks before St. Mary’s winger Tom Grace grabbed a try in the corner just before the final whistle to level the score on 10 points each.
McGann had one kick at goal to seal Ireland’s first ever victory against the All Blacks, however, a sudden gust of wind saw his effort blow the ball inches wide of the post as Ireland had to make do with a draw.
Tributes have poured in for the former Ireland international following the news of his death, with Ralph Keyes, President Cork Constitution FC, writing in a message shared online: “It was with great sadness that everyone here in Cork Con learnt of the news of Barry’s passing. On behalf of the Executive, members and all Barry’s friends in Con I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Valerie and family at this time.
Barry passed away at his home in Wicklow on Saturday
“Barry was a stunning football talent. As a young teenager I often watched him play in con and beyond. His genius on the rugby field was a huge inspiration to me and many others who were setting out on their own rugby careers around that time. A great character, wit and storyteller, he was at the centre of many great occasions in Con.
“Rest in Peace Barry.”
One mourner reminisced on witnessing Barry on the rugby field, writing: “I remember as a young boy being brought to Musgrave Park by my late father to watch the great Barry McGann playing and the crowd in awe of his talent.
“What wonderful memories that have stayed with me for many years. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us. Rest Easy Barry.”
A former teammate of Barry’s at Presentation Brothers College said: “Rest in Peace, old friend. For those of us in the Class of ’66, particularly those who you led to so many victories you were, and remain, the Greatest of All Time. Deepest sympathy to the family.”
While former Ireland international Mick Quinn said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Barry’s passing. A personality and character that no one could ever forget.
“A wonderful teammate with outrageous talent and so funny and self effacing he was a pleasure to be around.
“A star for Shelbourne in football, Cork Con and Lansdowne in rugby and he graced the field for Munster and Ireland.
“And all this with a sense of fun and an ability to laugh heartily at himself. Add in his love and talent at golf and his Greatest Love, his Family and you have the Perfect Gentleman, and that was Barry McGann.”
Barry’s funeral mass will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday November 11th 2025 in Holy Rosary Church, Greystones A63 N478, after which he will be laid to rest in Redford Cemetery, Blacklion, Greystones.
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