Barry O’Brien – A Tribute

Not too often in life are we blessed with the presence of a friend who is true and honest in every sense of the word. Barry O’Brien was such a person. Barry was taken suddenly from us when he died tragically last August.

Barry came from Sandyford in Dublin and had just completed his final year in Physical Education in the University of Limerick. He was a member of the UL Fitzgibbon panel that won the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2002. He was also Dublin U21 Hurling captain.

Barry filled our lives with so much. His presence, jovial mood, determination, spirit and laughter inspired all those around him. When the dressing room was quite or moods were down, Barry would crack a joke that gained a laugh from all. He was the epitome of team spirit and was an integral part of the Fitzgibbon panel.

Barry was entirely dedicated to everything he applied himself at. He worked so hard and honestly at his hurling that he brought himself on leaps and bounds in a short few years. He was a model sportsman to all others. He never shirked from a challenge and was often willing to take on the work of others. He led by example and placed the team above all else.

Barry loved life in UL. On approaching Barry, a distinctive smile could be recognised from afar. Part of his acknowledgements in his FYP were to his ‘brothers’ on the Fitzgibbon panel. To all the players he was a brother, a friend and so much more. Winning the Fitzgibbon Cup was all the more pleasurable with the likes of Barry on the team.

Our lives are at a loss without your presence Barry. You gave us so much and suddenly we lost you. For future years to come, we can only hope that we too will show with the same pride, passion and love of the game that you always did. Be it on or off the field, you inspired our lives immensely.

Goodbye dear friend, we always know that with you looking down upon us from above we have so much more on our side. Rest gently and peacefully Barry.

From your friends, 'brothers' and team-mates on the 2002 University of Limerick Fitzgibbon panel.