Death of Andy Barrett mourned in Ballyshannon, Mayo and Cavan

The death of Andy Barrett has evoked great sadness over a very wide area, not just in Ballyshannon but throughout south Donegal and in his native Mayo.

News of Andy’s death filtered through the Ballyshannon community on Sunday and came as a major shock as he had been out and about meeting people and having his many conversations with friends last week. His death occurred while on a visit to his relatives in Cavan.

A native of Belmullet in Co Mayo, Andy spent most of his adult life in the Ballyshannon area where he played a major part in community affairs, initially as a member of An Garda Siochana and later as a businessman.

An accomplished footballer, he was corner-back alongside his brother-in-law, Pauric McShea,  on the famous St Joseph’s team that won the first All-Ireland club final against Dunmore McHales in 1968. Later he became a GAA referee and was probably denied taking charge of a Donegal senior final because of the prevalence of St Joseph’s in those finals.

In later years he was a proud uncle when his two nephews Peter and Larry Reilly were stars of the Cavan team that won an Ulster title in 1997 with Martin McHugh as manager.

Deaths in Donegal - Monday evening, December 5, 2022

A  talented golfer, Andy was a valued member of Bundoran Golf Club, fulfilling the role of Captain in 1981.

Speaking to DonegalLive.ie, Brian McEniff said he remembered Andy coming to the area as a guard in the 1960s and seeing him playing for Ballyshannon against Bundoran. “He was on and off the St Joseph’s team but when Liam McDaid had to go back to Maynooth after the first game against Dunmore McHales in 1968, Andy came in at corner-back for the game in Tuam.

“He was a very nice man and a great conversationalist. One of his trademarks was that he had a very strong handshake.  He took up refereeing after playing football and was a very fair referee and was able to let the play flow.”

Predeceased by baby Declan, parents Larry and Bridget, brothers Michael, Larry and Tony, sisters Maureen, Julia, Mary Agnes, Tessie and Josie.

Deeply regretted by his daughters, Bríd, Teresina, Andrea and their mother Margaret, sons-in-law David Mitchel and Kevin Gallagher, grandchildren Séimí, Barry, Nessa, Lucia, Fionn and Orlaith; his brother Sean, brother-in-law P.J. Reilly, sisters-in-law Dolores and Carol, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Andy’s funeral arrangements will be announced later.