Mourners at Barry funeral told death raises questions of 'respect for elderly'

THE DEATH of pensioner Paddy Barry has raised important questions for Irish society about “how we respect our older people”, a priest told mourners at his funeral on Saturday.

Mr Barry (82) died last week after being admitted to hospital following a burglary at his home in Waterford.

At his Requiem Mass, Fr Michael Mullins asked the congregation to “remember all our senior citizens”. He called on people to ask themselves: “When did I last stop to talk to an older person, ring them up, or tell them they’re still an important part of our lives?”

He said it was important to “tell our young people that with old age comes honour”.

Two gardaí stood at the entrance to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Without in Ballybricken as neighbours, friends and family members arrived.

Fr Mullins welcomed Mr Barry’s “large extended family including his four sons, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren”. Among them was grandson Keith Barry, the magician and popular entertainer, who read one of the prayers of the faithful and prayed for “the vulnerable people in our society – especially during the long, dark winter”.

The city of Waterford was represented by Deputy Mayor Cllr Hilary Quinlan.

Fr Mullins described Mr Barry as “a great, old-time gentleman”, who had enjoyed a happy marriage until his wife died a decade ago. He was a daily Mass-goer who “lived the simple life of a person who is happy and contented in themselves”. Fr Mullins said “we give thanks for a long life, though it was a tragic end”.

Following the religious ceremony, Brendan Barry told the congregation that his father was “a very quiet man but now the whole of Ireland knows who Paddy Barry was”. His affectionate reminiscences drew a mixture of laughter and applause from the pews.

He recalled that his father had spent 46 years working in the post office, starting at the age of 16 in Tipperary before returning home “to the GPO in Waterford”. He “met Nancy and fell madly in love” and was heartbroken following her death 10 years ago.

His father was an independent man, who was widely read, enjoyed going for walks and visiting a local pub with friends and enjoyed travel – especially to Marbella.

On behalf of the family, Mr Barry thanked the Garda and “the HSE, which is often criticised” for their support which was “very much appreciated”.

He concluded by saying that “the family has gone through a lot of hurt and anger over the last 10 days” but that “today is a day for celebration”.

The coffin was borne from the church by six grandsons including Keith Barry.