Barney McCoy won one All-Ireland senior football medal and but for Louth's bad luck in the 1950 final would have had another.

A fine sportsman, whose interests centred mainly on football, hurling and the two branches of the greyhound game, this most popular of Ardee men died last week having had ill-health over the last sixteen of his 81 years.

He had suffered a stroke soon after he had retired from Ardee Bread Company.

He played in the Leinster final of 1957 and was part of the All-Ireland squad that defeated Cork in the All-Ireland final.

Barney was also an accomplished hurler. He won seven championship medals with Naomh Colmcille and lined out regularly with the county side.

He also kept a very successful greyhound kennel, housing a succession of very fast racers.

He was a leading member of Dundalk and Dowdallshill Coursing Club where he gave many years service and was listed as a vice-president on this season's card.

Just as he had shown on the football field, Barney lacked nothing in courage, and made light of his illness in his later years.

He rarely missed a Louth or St Mary's match, and took in all of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the 1957 All-Ireland win.

He also attended many coursing meetings, and had he been spared he might have made it to the Clonmel event this week.

There was a strong St Mary's representation at the removal of remains on Sunday evening and at the requiem Mass at the Church of the Nativity on Monday.

They were joined by many others from all over the county and country, including members of Louth's 1957 panel.

Sympathy is extended to Barney's wife, Breda, daughters, brothers, sisters and other relatives.