Top brass salute for soldier who served 43 years

ONE of the country’s longest-serving soldiers took his final salute yesterday.

The Defence Forces marked Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Billy Barry’s last day in uniform with a ‘stand-down parade’ — an honour usually reserved for top brass. He has served in the army for 43 years.

He was joined by his family on the podium in the parade square of Cork’s Collins Barracks for the special event.

His unit, the 1st Field Artillery Regiment marched past and saluted him.

An army spokesman said it was a mark of the honour and respect with which RSM Barry is held by all ranks in the barracks.

RSM Barry, from Ballincollig, was based in the town’s former Leo Murphy Barracks before it closed and he transferred to Collins Barracks.

He served two tours of duty in Cypress. He served with the 9th infantry group in 1967 and the 19th infantry group from October 1970 to April 1971.

RSM Barry is well-known in GAA circles, is a stalwart of his local club in Ballincollig and he was a selector with the Cork minors in the 1990s when the team won an All-Ireland.

He is married to Catherine and they have six children — William, Noel, Margaret, Paula, Lorraine and Sinead. He turns 60 on Christmas Day.

As RSM, Mr Barry achieved the highest non-commissioned officer rank.

A master gunner, he is responsible in wartime for the deployment of large artillery weaponry and ensuring it works as it should.

In peace time, he is responsible for regimental dress, deportment and protocol matters.