THE death of Frank Barry (83) on Wednesday marked the passing of one of Ireland’s best-known, most successful and loved personalities. A quiet man who let his achievements speak volumes for his expertise, he was a man for whom I had the highest regard all my life.

Ever present in my career, Frank made many friends in the business and enjoyed the loyalty of all who transacted business with him. The sales world has been the poorer for his absence from the ringside in recent times, where he and Kevin Prendergast were a formidable alliance for many decades. Frank also forged notable associations with John Magnier, John Mulhern and Mick O’Toole.