Many pay tribute to ‘unforgettable’ man
THERE was a huge outpouring of shock and grief, much of it on social media, as news of Barry’s death emerged.
Author Eoin Colfer: Barry was not a guy to be watched or worried about. Barry got things done. I had a few dreams that Bar made real. So you thought lighthouse. Beacon. Oak tree. North Star. He always answered his phone and made it his mission to pack as many jokes and insults into every conversation we ever had. Drank tea mostly. Loved all his girls beyond expression. Knew everyone in town. Made his living with bare hands and brass neck. Worry about Barry? Why would you worry about Bar? He had the moon on a string. I wish you could know, pal, how many people are weeping today. Madeleine Quirke, chief executive, Wexford Chamber described Barry as one of those proud Wexford people always full of new ideas. ‘Wexford is a very close knit business community, people working together, supporting each other and contributing to the economy of a town we all love. Barry was one of those proud Wexford people always ready to drive ahead with new ideas. The excitement with the arrival of the first Spiegeltent to the Quay in Wexford back in 2012 is something that I will never forget ‘His sudden passing has shocked all of us at Wexford Chamber and on behalf of the staff and the Board of Directors I would like to offer our sincere condolences to all of Barry’s family and friends. A talented businessman who was always kind and a pleasure to work with,’ she said.
Wexford Marinewatch: Our community has once again been rocked by further tragedy today. If you are feeling low, having difficulty coping or things are getting on top of you, please please please speak to someone.
Paul Heaton, from the Beautiful South, said he was ‘a man who we all felt privileged to know’.
Singer Michael Londra, writing from his home in New York, said he had been sideswiped by his death. ‘5000 miles away but can feel the loss for his family and for Wexford from so far away. What a legacy he leaves. When you think of it, he brought not only the Spiegeltent but more laughter, music and joy to our town.’
Declan Marcus Reck: Barry was a man with extraordinary talents who brought joy to 100,000s of people who attended big indoor and outdoor events organised and staged by him. Condolences to Barry’s family and all his friends, you are truly going to be missed by all.
Ben Blance: Barry`s energy was infectious and his passion for music limitless. Wexford was so lucky to have him. And for me personally I never met anyone who believed in me as much as Barry. Some of my best memories of living in Wexford was sitting with Barry talking music and watching the horses, we could sit and do that for hours and we invariably did. Rest in peace my dear friend xx
Eleanor McEvoy: Am reeling from the tragic news about Barry Ennis. A real gent who always had time for everyone. Huge loss to Wexford and the music community. Dave O’Grady, promoter: Barry promoted a couple of Josh Ritter shows with me over the years. He was a character and put his heart, soul and personality into his shows.
Noel Butler from Cycle
Against Suicide: I was in a meeting when I got a message telling me of the tragic death of a wonderfully generous, caring, kind and loving young man. The Cycle Against Suicide family stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with Barry’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. It’s OK not to feel OK and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help.
Singer Wallis Bird: He was ‘an unforgettable man with a lust for ideas...your legacy is strong Barry’.
Cry Before Dawn praised him as a ‘great friend’ who was part of the push to get the band playing again.