Vale to a Wallaby great
Barry dies at ‘his’ beach
TRIBUTES are flowing for former Wallaby and respected ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Mick Barry who died yesterday doing what he loved best – taking an early morning swim at his beloved Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast.
Dr Barry, 77, was a keen member of seniors swimming club the Dingos, who meet most mornings at Currumbin Vikings Surf Club for a dawn dip.
He was swimming near iconic Elephant Rock in front of the club about 5.45am when he got into difficulties and had to be rescued.
Fellow Dingos and surf club members performed CPR until paramedics arrived but Dr Barry could not be saved and was pronounced dead on the beach.
The tragedy shattered the close-knit Currumbin community where Dr Barry had lived for much of his life.
Currumbin Vikings Surf Club president Ben Munro paid a moving tribute to Dr Barry and said the club flag would fly at half-mast in his honour, while lifesavers would compete this weekend with black armbands.
“Mick is a muchloved member of the Currumbin Dingos and has been a regular and popular figure around the club,” Mr Munro said.
“It’s fair to say that Mick had a view on just about everything, which he offered with a twinkle in his eye. A former Wallaby, Mick remained active throughout his life and swimming at Currumbin Beach was the way he loved to start his day.
“Usually, Mick would then transition to a local cafe where robust discussions regarding politics, religion and every other possible world controversy would be enthusiastically pursued. One was never left guessing regarding Mick’s views. Always with a smile and a laugh.”
“Mick will be deeply missed by the Currumbin Beach Vikings but especially by the Dingos.
“I am indebted to the members of the group together with our personal trainers and other surf club members who attempted to assist Mick this morning.”
Dr Barry was a Marist College Ashgrove old boy and member of the famous 1971 Queensland side which upset the touring British and Irish Lions. A nuggety halfback, he was selected the same year to play for the Wallabies against South Africa.