Sadness following passing of popular Mayo sporting and community figure

There has been great sadness in Mayo sporting circles following the passing of Donagh Barry, Rathbawn Drive, Castlebar and late of Mountcharles, Donegal.

Donagh died peacefully in the care of the staff in the Ross Suite, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family yesterday, October 21st.

He was a popular member of the local community and was involved with both Castlebar Rugby Club and Castlebar Golf Club, enjoying close association with both organisations.

He is a former captain and president of Castlebar Golf Club. He had an accomplished rugby career that saw him start off at Newbridge College before playing with Beactive Rangers in Dublin and later Galwegians. He joined Castlebar RFC in the mid-1970s and played a pivotal role during some of the club’s formative years.

The club paid tribute to him online.

“At Castlebar, Donagh served as club captain and president, and was very influential in building our club and setting up underage rugby with others over many years.” “Donagh will be missed by all his friends at Castlebar RFC. Our thoughts are with the Barry family and Donagh's many friends. May he rest in peace.”

Sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Máire, daughter Karen (Gazzo), sons Greg, David and Shane, brothers John, Diarmuid and Kevin, sisters Jackie, Ann, Maeve, Patricia, Evanna, Grainne and Orla, grandchildren Aisling, Aimee (and her mother Dairin), Isabella, Ava, Lewis and Niamh, son-in-law Frank, Greg’s partner Eleanor, daughters-in-law Kate and Julie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Donagh will repose in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Monday (26th October) from 5pm with removal at 7pm to his residence.

Castlebar Rugby Club will form a guard of honour from the Barry residence in Rathbawn Drive at 10am on Tuesday morning for the removal at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar (via Main Street).