‘King of the road’ dies, 95

Think Ring, think Pele, think Kyle, think Nicklau — it is in this pantheon of greats that Mick Barry rightfully belongs. The greatest road bowler in the history of the sport died at the weekend after a debilitating illness. The Waterfall man was 95.

Like those I’ve just mentioned, Mick Barry was a class apart. He dominated his sport like no other. Over his long and illustrious career all the superlatives have been used and all have been fully justified. He truly was the ‘King of the road’.

In all sport, you’ll get arguments when it comes to nominating “the greatest” —was Muhammad Ali greater than Joe Louis? Would Roger Federer have beaten Rod Laver? Was Juan Manuel Fangio the greatest ever Formula One driver, or should that accolade go to Michael Schumacher, who won more world titles? With some sportsmen, however, there is simply no room for argument. Through a combination of natural gifts, consistent application of those gifts and incredible dedication and self-belief, a handful of sportsmen belong in a category of their own. Christy Ring was one such sportsman, Mick Barry was another.