Jim Barrett: An Iconic Figure in Athea GAA Circles
When reflecting on the iconic figures in Athea GAA circles, several names stand out, such as Mick and Sean Dalton and Johnny Mullane from Knocknagorna, Dan Liston and Jimmy Hayes from Dirreen, Tom Barrett, Fairystreet, Timmy Woulfe, Cratloe and Eoin Liston, Sonny Murphy from the village. Among these esteemed individuals, Jim Barrett from Fairystreet, brother of Tom, is a name that deserves special recognition.
Early Life and Education
Jim Barrett’s journey into the world of Gaelic football began with his education at St. Michael’s College in Listowel. Known for employing top-class coaches from Kerry, the college played a significant role in nurturing Jim’s talents. The training he received there helped him develop into a formidable player, catching the attention of Listowel Emmets football club. Despite being offered a trial with the Kerry Minor footballers, Jim chose to remain loyal to his roots in Athea, where he ultimately achieved notable success. He continued his education at University College Dublin (UCD), earning a degree in Landscape & Horticulture.
Rise in Gaelic Football
Jim Barrett’s football prowess first emerged in 1955/’56 when he made a name for himself as an above-average juvenile player. Athea had a brilliant Juvenile team in 1956 and were narrowly beaten a point in the west final against Askeaton.
It is worthy to name those gallant Juvenile fifteen as follows –
Henry Reidy, Upper Athea (Goalkeeper)
Paddy McCoy (Templeathea) Michael Shine (Village) Ted Ahearn (Parkanna)
Denis McGrath (Gortnagross) Frank Cotter (Cratloe) Tony Barrett (Fairystreet)
Johnny Mullane (Knocknagorna) Joe O’Keeffe (Coole West)
Jim Barrett (Fairystreet) Patrick Mullane (Knockknagorna) Neily Woulfe (Village, Bridge Hse)
John Sonny Wrenn (Gortnagross) Jerry Roche (Benmore) Tom Fitzgerald (Park)
By the following year, Jim had progressed to the minor ranks, showcasing his skills in various competitions.
Playing Career and Achievements
On Dec 2nd, 1962 at Newcastle West, Jim was a member of the Athea Junior football team beaten by Abbeyfeale in the final of the west on a scoreline of Abbeyfeale 1-3 to Athea 0-4. The game was played in a fine sporting spirit and the standard of football was high. The outstanding player on the Athea team was Timmy Woulfe at full back but Tom Barrett (brother of Jim), Jim Leahy, Johnny Mullane and Richie O’Connor had their moments. Jim Barrett gave a good account of himself at corner forward. Dick Fitzgerald from Abbeyfeale (Railway Bar) was a very capable referee.
The Athea team that day lined out as follows –
Denis Moore (Goalkeeoer)
Paddy Dalton. Timmy Woulfe. Phil Woulfe.
Timmy Hanrahan. Jim Leahy. Johnny Mullane.
Tom Barrett. Paddy Dwane.
Ned Enright. Richie O’Connor. Joe O’Keeffe.
Seamus Dillane. Mikie O’Connor. Jim Barrett.
A significant milestone in Jim Barrett’s early career came on December 8, 1963, when Athea triumphed over St Senan’s in the Junior semi-final of the west at Newcastle West on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-2., with Jim opening the scoring for his team. That same year, he secured his first piece of silverware when Athea Junior’s won the West, defeating Castlemahon in the final in a scoreline of 1-4 to 0-4. Jim also won a county Junior championship medal in 1964 when Athea beat Pallasgreen 2-11 to 0-2 in the county final. In fact, it was the 1963 championship final that had been postponed, as it was too close to Christmas that year to be concluded. The final was played in Bruree before a large crowd on Sunday March 1st, 1964.
During his academic years, Jim played for UCD and later joined Glasnevin Shamrocks following his graduation. In 1967, he won a medal in the Frank Sheehy Tournament, which honoured a former Kerry County Board chairman and included clubs from North Kerry, with Athea as an invited participant. Athea beat Ballydonoghue in the final, a Ballydonoghue team that included the legendary Jer D. O’Connor. O’Connor captained Kerry in 1965, losing to Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Final, having reached two previous finals as a Kerry player, 1960 & 1964, winning neither.
Frank Sheehy was a schoolteacher who in 1961 went to Nigeria, Africa, to take up a position of Professor of Educational Science at a training college in Asaba. He died there in 1962.
The pinnacle of Jim Barrett’s playing career occurred on September 15, 1968, at the Limerick Gaelic Grounds. He played a starring role as Athea claimed their first-ever county senior football championship by defeating Treaty Sarsfield from Limerick city in the final, a distressfully bruising encounter. Four players sent off, three from Sarsfield’s and Kevin Dillon from Athea. The referee, Frank Halbert from Cork in his report stated that Athea came to play football and Treaty came to win at all costs. He had no doubt that only for the behaviour of the Athea players for not retaliating, the match would have never finished.
Moreover, Jim had the honour of being the first Athea man to captain a Limerick senior football team, leading them against Tipperary in a National Football League game at Templemore on Nov 10th, 1968. Unfortunately it wasn’t Limerick’s day as they were well beaten 3-7 to 0-7.
Neilius Neily Hunt, son of Thady Hunt, Coole East, Athea had the honour of being the second Athea man to captain a Limerick senior football team.
The Limerick team that day v Tipperary lined out as follows;
Bobby Walsh (Askeaton)
Morgan Moran (Athea) Brendan Crosse (St. Patrick’s). Tom Fitzgibbons (Oola)
Pat O’Brien (St. Patrick’s) Jim Barrett (c) (Athea) Con Shanahan (Croom)
Bernie Hartigan (Old Christian’s) P. Murphy (Oola).
Eamon Cregan (Claughan) John Ahearne (Clan-na-Gael, Dublin) J. Cawley
T. Nash. Mick Tynan (Claughan) P. Murphy (Old Christians)
Re- the Limerick team – Bobby Walsh was from Foynes but played in goal for Askeaton.
Pat O’Brien was a clerical student in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow along with the late Gerry Roche R.I.P. from Benmore, Athea.
John Ahearne was a schoolteacher and played with Clan na Gael in Dublin. Jim & John would travel together to play the matches.
Jim’s Versatility and Athea’s Success.
Despite being known for his skills in other positions, Jim’s adaptability and talent came to the forefront when he was selected to guard the goalposts. This decision was made after Athea experienced a series of narrow defeats, largely due to conceding too many late goals. Jim’s versatility not only showcased his personal talent but also demonstrated the importance of adaptability and teamwork.
The team’s fortunes began to change when Jim stepped into the goalkeeper role. His excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes made him a formidable presence in the goal. Over the course of three consecutive games, Jim’s goalkeeping skills played a crucial role in Athea’s victories. His key attributes as goalkeeper were,
1. Strong Hands. : Jim’s ability to catch and control the ball under pressure prevented numerous scoring opportunities for the opposing teams.
2. His agility and rapid response time allowed him to make crucial saves, especially during critical moments of the matches
Jim Barrett’s legacy in Athea GAA circles remains a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best of his time.
Jim Barrett
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