Life of Irish folk musician Barry honoured in Co Down

Musicians and members of the Traveller community came together to honor Irish folk singer Margaret Barry, who was a key influence on artists like Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly. Born into a non-Traveller family, Barry left home at 15 with just her banjo and a bicycle, eventually settling in the small village of Laurencetown, County Down. Her career took her to renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, where she shared the stage with Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

Though not originally from the Traveller community, Barry embraced their culture and worked tirelessly to promote it. She passed away in 1989 and was buried in Laurencetown. Her grandson, Paddy Barry, expressed admiration for his grandmother's reputation, which they only later understood. Paddy noted her distinctive singing style and strong voice, which carried her Cork accent until her final days.

Barry was posthumously inducted into the RTÉ Folk Hall of Fame in 2019. Her legacy extends beyond her musical contributions; she was a champion for Traveller culture, always promoting it with pride. Traveller historian Ellen McDonagh emphasized Barry's impact on preserving Irish music and Traveller heritage, stating that she represented the community with immense pride and positivity. Family members and local Traveller representatives hope to commemorate Barry's contributions annually.