Freak accident claims life of young ’Bridge man

“BRAVE and full of heart,” just one of the touching tributes paid to popular Sixmilebridge man Barry Noonan who tragically died this week following a freak accident.
It is understood that the 25-year-old from Cappagh Lodge lost his life after injuries sustained from falling down some stairs on Saturday evening. The community of Sixmilebridge was left shocked and saddened following his death in hospital on Monday evening.
Barry, known to his friends as ‘Jacko’ was well-known throughout the parish, particularly in sporting circles where he played for Bridge United. He was a member of the soccer club from an early age and played at every level up to junior where, in recent years, he enjoyed great success with the club’s B team.
Paying tribute to their friend, a spokesman for the team described him as the “entertainer”, always playing jokes with his teammates.
“On the field and though he wasn’t the biggest man, he was well able to look after himself, he was brave and full of heart with no shortage of speed and skill, always applied 100%. As the saying goes ‘he would run all day for ya’ – this applies to Jacko. In a recent unexpected cup win against Bridge Celtic, I am sure he covered every blade of grass.
“All these attributes can be applied to Jacko’s off-the-pitch character also. He was considerate, kind and loved his family and wide circle of friends. His love of sport was evident the minute you spoke to him and I think few would challenge his football trivia, whether it was his beloved Celtic and Aston Villa or 1930 World Cup, Jacko knew his stuff.  He was a friend to everyone, enthusiastic about everything and most of all loved by everybody.”
Manager Mark Egan added, “Jacko was more than a member of our squad, he was a friend to every one in it. I don’t know anyone who was considered by so many people as their best friend. The dressing room will be sadder place in his absence but we will always raise a smile when we remember the fun he brought to it.”
Fr Harry Bohan, parish priest of Sixmilebridge described him as a young man who was “full of life”.
“He was very much a part of the community, a well-known and popular man. There was a massive number of young people keeping vigil over him while he was in hospital. The community have gathered around and they are offering great support to his family. The loss of a young person brings the whole community into a different mood but they are all supporting one another. He was a young fella who was full of life, who was massively into sport and living his life. This has been a real tragedy,” he said.
Barry is survived by his parents, Pat and Carmel; brothers, Colm, Trevor and sister, Laura. The removal took place this Thursday morning to Saint Finnachta’s Church, Sixmilebridge for funeral mass. Burial afterwards in Killeen cemetery, Sixmilebridge.