Where did it all go so wrong?

Barry would be considered by many as a pillar of the community. He has always been there to counsel and advise the residents of Carrigstown. Having left the seminary against the wishes of a domineering mother , Barry began a teaching career at Carrigstown Community School and was well respected for mentoring and teaching the local children.

Linda, his ex-wife was his first true love. Barry married Linda, knowing that she was pregnant with Bela's child. When baby Alice died just a year after she was born, Barry tried to be a support to Linda, but Linda, devastated by her loss, had a breakdown and left the marriage.

Barry recovered by throwing himself into his work as a school teacher. There was of course a spark of controversy when sixth year student Niamh Cassidy implied to her friends that she and Barry were having an affair. Barry's career was seriously jeopardised until Niamh admitted to making it all up.

Despite this, Barry was fond of Niamh and a few years after she left school, they began a romance for real. Niamh and Barry got engaged and all was good until Niamh started to have an affair with Barry's best friend Paul Brennan. Barry was heartbroken at the double betrayal of his lover and best friend. However, Barry soon picked himself up.

Love came knocking once again when Barry met Sorcha Byrne. By this time, Barry's career had progressed and he was now headmaster. Sorcha was a new teacher. Everything was rosy for Barry and Sorcha until he discovered that she was having an affair with one of his students. This proved to be yet another devastating shock to Barry and his confidence was shattered. He battled with depression and resigned his position at the school. Barry was subsequently arrested for stalking Sorcha and was suspected of the murder of her teenage lover. Barry had a breakdown and spent some time in a psychiatric ward. Whilst there, Barry met up with an old flame, Annette who was there battling alcoholism.

Like a phoenix through the flames Barry emerged with a new career as a journalist for the local newspaper - The Northside Post. He firmly established himself once again as a pillar of the community. Things were looking up for Barry. He proposed to Annette and she accepted. His happiness was short-lived however, as Annette had a one night stand with his arch-nemesis Seamus McAleer. When the truth came out the night before Gina and Ray's wedding, Barry went on a bender and was over the limit when he knocked down and killed Gina on her wedding day.
Having forgiven Annette, he failed to notice that her new American husband Bill was a dangerous psychopath, despite warnings from McAleer. Barry felt tremendous guilt when Annette burned to death in her office as a direct result of Bill's machinations.

Over a year ago, Barry's beloved newspaper folded. Then, this year, shockingly, rumours began to surface that Barry was a paedophile. Barry has spent his life dealing with lies, betrayal, treachery and other people's problems. When Barry discovered that Sarah had spread the rumours, he lost it. Barry is no longer able to face the consequences .

Barry only ever wanted respectability and the love of a good woman.