Johnny Barry was present at the founding meeting of Gneeveguilla GAA club on July 3rd 1960 going on to play in goals for the first Gneeveguilla team to win the East Kerry Senior league when defeating Rathmore in 1964. At club level Johnny served as secretary over 4 decades (60,70,80 and 90s) and chairman from 93 to 97. He was enrolled in many club committees during the years including secretary of the committee charged with the development of the community centre and dressing rooms. A club bar was his dream and this came to pass on Easter Saturday 1986 when the facility was officially opened by Sean Kelly chairman of the County Board. He served as a selector for the Gneeveguilla seniors for many years including the 1983 O Donohoe Cup winning team while also managing the club B team for many successful years which saw them conquer junior leagues at East kerry and county level and also the O Sullivan Cup and novice championship. Johnny served as county board delegate from 1986 to 1997. Johnny has served as a club delegate since 1964 to the present day. He was a member of the committee that published the history of the O Donohoe Cup 1954 to 2003. Johnny was also part of the East Kerry fixtures committee for a number of years. Johnny was a selector for East Kerry team during the 70s with the ultimate prize of an All Ireland club final the highlight in 1971. Johnny is a regular at all Gneeveguilla cub games and is a hugely committed supporter of the East Kerry and the Kerry senior team. No trip is too far for Johnny and his wife Kathleen to head off to support the green and gold. A father of 7 who found the time to give to the club and sport that he loves so much. A true and well respected member of the GAA community.
