Freeman Barry: ‘I don’t feel worthy, but I am very honoured’

FORMER tánaiste Peter Barry got an unexpected yet pleasant surprise just before he was presented the freedom of his native city.

The man who gave him his first ministry, Liam Cosgrave, turned up in Cork City Hall to shake his protege’s hand minutes before the owner of Barry’s Tea got his accolade.

Cosgrave appointed the Corkman transport and power minister in 1973, and 16 years later he rose to tánaiste.