The death took place in January 2010 of former Louth player and 1957 All-Ireland winner Barney McCoy, who was 81. The fact that Barney went on to carve out a successful GAA career is all the more remarkable as he was involved in a serious car accident while only 16 years of age. A member of the famed St. Marys, Ardee club, Barney also played with nearby Hunterstown Rovers for a spell. He will go down in Louth GAA folklore as a vital member of Louth's All Ireland winning panel of 1957. Probably his finest hour was in the Leinster final of that campaign when after 20 minutes' play he replaced his neighbour Ollie Reilly in defence (Ollie sadly passed away in 2009). The Ardee man played a huge part as a star-studded Dublin attack was held at bay. Barney was involved as Louth also gained provincial glory in 1950 and '53. He was a substitute as the Wee County went under to Mayo in the All Ireland decider of 1950. On the club scene, Barney McCoy helped St Marys to Louth senior championship titles in 1951, '55, '56 and 1960. A noted all-rounder, he was also the holder of seven senior hurling championship medals, won with Naomh Colmcille.