Peter Barry’s wife dies

The death has occurred of Margaret Barry, the wife of former tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs Peter Barry and the mother of Fine Gael Senator Deirdre Clune.

Ms Barry (née Mullane) died on Saturday at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork. It is understood she had been ill for some time.

Ms Barry, of Blackrock Rd in Cork, is survived by her husband Peter and her children Deirdre, Tony, Fiona, Donagh, Conor, and Peter. She had 21 grandchildren.

Margaret Barry’s removal will take place this evening at 7pm to St Michael’s Church in Blackrock, Cork. Her requiem Mass will take place tomorrow at 11am, followed by burial at St Michael’s Cemetery in Blackrock.

In Jun 2010, Ms Barry was in attendance at Cork City Hall as her husband Peter received the Freedom of his native city. The former Fine Gael tánaiste was honoured for his lifelong dedication to the service of his country and community, for his business acumen and philanthropic endeavours, and in particular his work as minister for foreign affairs.

Mr Barry paid tribute to his wife Margaret and to his family for their love and support during and beyond his political career.

Peter Barry was a TD from 1969 to 1997. As foreign minister from 1982 to 1987, he helped negotiate the Anglo Irish agreement. In 1987 he served for a short time as tánaiste.

Senator Deirdre Clune was the third generation of her family to hold the mayoralty in Cork, following in the footsteps of her father, Peter who was lord mayor of Cork in 1970/71 and her late grandfather, Anthony, who was lord mayor in 1960/61. The Barry name is also synonymous with the iconic Barry’s Tea brand.