Tributes have been paid to a highly-respected Co Tyrone primary school teacher following his sudden passing. Barry Conroy, Principal of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit, Beragh, has passed away bringing much sadness to his family, friends and wider community who he had shown “unwavering commitment” to. Tributes have been paid to the teacher following his death with many noting his dedication to his pupils and community and was heavily involved in his local GAA club Beragh Red Knights. In a statement online,
The Chair of Board of Governors of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit said: “It is with deep sadness that we, the Staff, Pupils and Board of Governors, confirm the sudden passing of Master Barry Conroy, Principal of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit, Beragh. “Barry was a highly respected and dedicated leader who served our school for 27 years as teacher then principal. Throughout that time, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pupils, staff and the wider community. “His leadership
was characterised by his living out of the School Ethos – Caring, Sharing and Learning every day of his career. Barry’s commitment made a lasting impact on the lives of pupils, past and present. “It is fitting that last Friday’s note ended with this quote ‘We continue to carry our loved ones with us in our hearts and their memory remains always alive within us – Pope Leo’ “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“The Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team and CCMS are in attendance at school to provide support to pupils and staff. “Arrangements regarding Barry’s funeral will be communicated when appropriate.” Beragh Red Knights GAA paid tribute to their long time member who has played and coached for the club who influenced people across the local community with his dedication, kindness and leadership, Belfast Live reports. It said in a statement online: “It is with profound sadness that everyone at Beragh Red Knights GAA learned this
morning of the untimely passing of our dear friend and club stalwart, Barry Conroy. “Barry devoted so much of his life to our club and community. As a former player, Club Secretary for 13 years, and current manager of our U16 Ladies team, he gave very generously of his time, energy and commitment, always placing others before himself. His skills on the football fields of his beloved Tyrone saw Barry win an All-Ireland Vocational Schools medal with St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, in 1993, and in
2000 he was a member of the Red Knights Championship and League double-winning team. His exemplary administrative skills were recognised by Tyrone GAA when he was recruited to become a member of the Youth Committee in 2007 and the Competitions Control Committee in 2008. He also participated in the Thír Eoghain Cumann na mBunscol Committee for many years. “His contribution to Beragh Red Knights and Tyrone GAA has been immense, and his loss will be felt deeply throughout every corner of our club and far
beyond. “Beyond the GAA, Barry was a highly respected school principal at St Oliver Plunkett’s, Beragh. His dedication to young people, education, staff and community life touched countless families across our parish. “Most importantly, Barry was a devoted husband to Fiona (née McCann) and a loving father to Aoibhe, Tomás and Cliodhna, all of whom are valued members of our club family. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Fiona, the children, Barry’s mother and father, John and Christina, brother Justin (Donna), sister Julie
(Francis), his nieces and nephews, the wider Conroy and McCann families, friends, work colleagues, and all who had the great privilege of knowing him. “Barry embodied the values of service, kindness, faith, friendship, leadership and community spirit. His presence enriched our club and our parish, and his legacy will live on for many years through the countless lives he influenced and through the generations of young people he encouraged, supported and inspired. “All club activities are cancelled until after Barry’s funeral. Funeral arrangements will be
confirmed in due course.” Sinn Fein MLA Órfhlaith Begley said: “A community in mourning today as we come to terms with the deeply sad news of the passing of Barry Conroy. “Barry was at the heart of St Oliver Plunkett’s, and whenever I visited the school, he always offered a warm welcome and a friendly presence. “A highly respected figure in the local community and a committed Gael with Beragh Red Knights. “My heartfelt condolences go to the pupils, staff, governors, and the entire Beragh
community as they come to terms with such a profound loss. “Rest in peace, Barry.” Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here .
Barry Conroy, St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Beragh Red Knights, Tyrone, sudden death, principal, GAA, Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team, CCMS, Órfhlaith Begley