The Cork native was also a talented soccer player and was reportedly offered a trial with Manchester United
Barry passed away at his home in Wicklow on Saturday
Tributes have poured in for former Ireland rugby international Barry McGann, who has sadly died at the age of 77.
Barry, originally from Co Cork but living in Greystones, Co Wicklow, passed away peacefully on Saturday at home surrounded by his loved ones.
A death notice posted 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 gifted sportsman who excelled at rugby, golf, cricket, soccer, Gaelic football, and hurling during his youth. His abilities on the football pitch earned Barry several caps for Ireland’s youth teams and he was reportedly given a trial opportunity at Manchester United, while he subsequently played with Shelbourne in Dublin, reports the Irish Mirror.
Nevertheless, Barry decided to concentrate on rugby and he guided his school, Presentation Brothers College, to Munster Schools Senior Cup glory in 1966. Upon finishing school, Barry signed for Cork Constitution before moving to Lansdowne following his relocation to Dublin in 1969.
He was brought into the Ireland squad after starting out-half Mike Gibson sustained an injury. Barry made an impressive debut against France, helping Ireland secure their first victory over the French in 11 years.
Over the course of his international career, he earned 25 caps for Ireland and accumulated 60 points. His most memorable moment in an Irish jersey came during the iconic fixture against New Zealand at Lansdowne Road in January 1973.
Barry successfully converted two penalties to keep Ireland competitive against the All Blacks, before St Mary’s winger Tom Grace crossed for a try in the corner moments before the final whistle, bringing the scores level at 10 points apiece. McGann had one opportunity from the tee to secure Ireland’s maiden victory over the All Blacks, but a sudden gust of wind sent his kick agonisingly wide of the post, leaving Ireland to settle for a draw.
Following news of his passing, tributes have flooded in for the former Ireland international, with Ralph Keyes, President of Cork Constitution FC, posting 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 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 recalled seeing Barry on the rugby pitch, 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.”
Meanwhile, 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 service is scheduled for 11.30am on Tuesday, 11th November 2025 at Holy Rosary Church, Greystones A63 N478, following which he will be interred at Redford Cemetery, Blacklion, Greystones.
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