Billy Barry

Footballer Billy Barry was predominantly a wing-half but was so versatile he could play anywhere from full-back, to centre-half, to centre-forward. He was, however, the right-half in the last Ireland team to play at the Olympics, when they were beaten 3-1 by the Netherlands in a qualifying match at Portsmouth in 1948. In addition to his international appearance, Barry took part in several inter-league matches.

At club level Barry served Waterford United for many years after stepping up from minor league football in 1947/48. He went on to become club captain and was regarded as one of their finest players in the post-war years. His brother Eddie played alongside him at Waterford. Billy toured Iceland with the club in 1954. In the 1960s Barry discovered baseball and helped develop the sport in Waterford, Tramore, and Dublin.