OTD: Kilkenny radio legend Johnny Barry passes away - August 5, 2022

On This Day (August 5) in 2022 Kilkenny broadcasting legend Johnny Barry passed away, peacefully at his home.

Born in Stephen Street, over the years, he worked as a fireman, in the cinema, and sold newspapers, but it was in radio he found his most iconic role. He was an instantly recognisable voice on the airwaves for decades.

Former Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick, who was a friend of Johnny's was among those to pay tribute to him following his passing.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. You'd meet him on the street and he was always in good humour," he said.

"His contribution to local music and the entertainment he provided over the years is irreplaceable. Young and old - people went to bed listening to Johnny. 

"The work he did - visiting communities, visiting nursing homes, giving CDs to people, wishing people happy birthday. Many local artists benefited from Johnny giving them airtime, and some of them became stars."

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Since his retirement from his regular radio programme, Johnny had worked as a Country and Irish Ambassador for KCLR and had also broadcast a special All Ireland Edition of the hugely popular Johnny Barry Show, a show that would prove to be his last on the station.

Johnny had also been honoured on his retirement by the people of Kilkenny when the then Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr Andrew McGuinness hosted a special reception in his honour to recognise his contribution to Kilkenny life over many years.

A former cinema projectionist and firefighter Johnny had been with KCLR since the beginning in 2004. Before that he also broadcast on pirate station AMS and Radio Kilkenny.

Speaking on the announcement of the sad news, Chief Executive of KCLR John Purcell said; "Johnny Barry was an absolute legend in Irish radio and all in KCLR along with his many thousands of fans in Kilkenny, Carlow and beyond are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of his sudden passing. He was in the station for a meeting during the past week and in great form, discussing plans for the future. We are comforted by knowing that in June he had the opportunity to hear what he meant to people of all ages from all backgrounds."

"On behalf of all at KCLR, his many friends in the broadcasting and entertainment industry and on behalf of his many thousands of fans and I would like to express our sincere sympathy to Johnny’s brother Kevin, his sister Mary and his nieces and nephews. We will not see his like again. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé," Mr Purcell concluded.