'Genius on the rugby field': Tributes paid after passing of Ireland international Barry McGann

Barry McGann was also a talented soccer player who lined out for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland. 

Barry McGann won 25 caps for Ireland. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Former Ireland rugby international Barry McGann died on Saturday. The Cork native, who played out-half, passed away at his home in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

A Cork Con player, who also lined out for Lansdowne, he won 25 caps for Ireland between 1969 and 1976.

He was also a talented soccer player who featured for Ireland at underage level and played League of Ireland with Shelbourne. McGann is said to have once turned down the offer of a trial with Manchester United. 

Presentation Brothers College described him as "incomparable" and one of their "greatest ever past pupils". In 1966, he led PBC to victory in the Munster Schools Senior Cup. The same year, he scored twice for Glasheen as they defeated Shelbourne to win the FAI Youth Cup. 

"It was with great sadness that everyone here in Cork Con learnt of the news of Barry’s passing," wrote Cork Con president Ralph Keyes.

"On behalf of the executive, members and all Barry’s friends in Con, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Valerie and family at this time.

"Barry was a stunning football talent. As a young teenager I often watched him play in Con and beyond. His genius on the rugby field was a huge inspiration to me and many others who were setting out on their own rugby careers around that time. A great character, wit and storyteller, he was at the centre of many great occasions in Con."

In 1973, McGann came within inches of kicking Ireland to victory over the All Blacks when his conversion of Tom Grace's try, with the match level at 10-10, sailed narrowly wide. Legend has it that an unfavourable gust of wind pushed the ball outside the post. 

Former Táinaiste Dick Spring, a teammate of McGann with Munster, said "Barry was great company both on and off the pitch and an outstanding sportsman in many codes. May his gentle soul rest in peace".

Lansdowne's Mick Kearney added: "I spent many hours in his company, especially in the 90’s when he gave so much to Lansdowne. He was great company and a true gentleman."

Broadcaster Des Cahill described him as "one of the nicest men you could meet".

His funeral mass will take place at 11.30am on November 11 at Holy Rosary Church, Greystones, after which he will be laid to rest in Redford Cemetery, Blacklion, Greystones.