Jack Barry (centre) pictured receiving his Irish Water Safety ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award in 2016 from Minister Simon Coveney and Irish Water Safety Chair, Martin O’Sullivan.

THE RECENT passing of a revered and integral figure in the Wexford Water Safety movement over the past 55 years is being mourned by members of the organisation, as well as by his community of Bunclody and people throughout County Wexford.

Jack Barry was last year awarded the prestigious title of Irish Water Safety’s National Volunteer of the Year, having played a central role both locally and nationally over more than half a decade.

Over the course of that time, he fulfilled the roles of Instructor, Examiner, Beach Life Guard Provider, Pool Lifeguard Provider, River Life Guard Provider, Cardiac First Responder Tutor, Risk Assessor and Swim Teacher.

In recent years, he was honoured to be bestowed with the title of Life Governer by the national organisation.

Having served as Chair of Wexford Water Safety for many years, Mr. Barry most recently fulfilled the role of Equipment Officer.

While he suffered ill health prior to his death, he continued his commitment to the cause and examined participants of the first course held by Wexford Water Safety in 2017.

Read more in the Wexford Echo.