Barry Sweeney, a renowned football referee and dedicated Newcastle United fan, passed away at 61 after battling pancreatic cancer for six weeks on August 6th,2023, following the tragic loss of his son, Liam, in the MH17 plane crash.
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Who Was Barry Sweeney?
Barry Sweeney was a well-known and respected figure in the football community, particularly in the North East of England. He was a dedicated football referee and a passionate supporter of Newcastle United. Born in Longbenton, Barry’s love for football began at a young age and continued to grow throughout his life.
He actively participated in the sport, not only as a supporter but also as a qualified referee, officiating matches at various levels of the game. His commitment to ensuring fair play and sportsmanship on the field earned him admiration from players, coaches, and fellow officials. Tragically, Barry’s life took a heart-wrenching turn in 2014 when his son, Liam, lost his life in the MH17 plane crash.
The devastating incident, which claimed the lives of 298 people, including Liam and another dedicated Newcastle United fan, John Alder, brought immense grief to Barry and his family. Despite this unimaginable loss, Barry remained resilient and continued to channel his passion for football into his role as a referee and his support for his beloved club.
Beyond his contributions to the game, Barry’s warm and friendly personality made him a beloved figure among the football community and beyond. He was known for his fun and energetic approach to football, leaving a positive impact on those he encountered during matches and events. Moreover, Barry’s charitable endeavors further exemplified his selflessness and dedication to making a difference.
He supported The Bradley Lowery Foundation, actively participating in charity matches to raise funds for the organization, showcasing his commitment to helping others and contributing to worthy causes. Barry’s passing, at the age of 61, due to pancreatic cancer, saddened not only the football community but also all who knew him.
He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unwavering loyalty to his team. The tributes and condolences pouring in from various football clubs and individuals reflect the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him.
Barry Sweeney Died
Barry Sweeney, a well-known football referee and devoted Newcastle United fan, passed away at the age of 61, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the football community. His son, Liam, tragically lost his life in the MH17 plane crash in 2014, alongside fellow supporter John Alder. Barry’s passing occurred on a Sunday morning, and it was revealed that he had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past six weeks.
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging and aggressive disease that affects the pancreas, often presenting with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Barry’s deep love for football extended beyond his role as a qualified referee; he was an avid supporter of Newcastle United and had become a familiar face across Tyneside following the MH17 disaster.
The loss of his son, Liam, in that tragic incident, had deeply affected him, drawing attention to his grief and resilience. His involvement in grassroots football earned him a well-deserved reputation among the North East’s football community. Younger referees looked up to Barry as an idol, both for his exemplary conduct on and off the pitch.
His energetic and positive approach to football made him a beloved figure among players, coaches, and fans alike. As news of Barry’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in from various football clubs and individuals. Andrew Rose-Cook, Chief Executive of the Northumberland FA, praised Barry as a massive idol for younger referees, emphasizing his exemplary character as both a person and a referee.
What Happened to Barry Sweeney?
Barry Sweeney, a prominent football referee, and devoted Newcastle United fan, tragically passed away at the age of 61, just six weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The news of his death has saddened the football community, especially since his son, Liam, lost his life in the MH17 plane crash back in 2014.
Barry, who lived in Longbenton, had been an influential figure in the North East’s grassroots football scene and was well-known and respected throughout Tyneside. Following the MH17 disaster, where Liam and John Alder lost their lives, Barry became a familiar face across the region. His involvement in football went beyond being a dedicated referee; he also played an active role in charitable efforts, supporting
The Bradley Lowery Foundation and participating in charity matches across the country. Andrew Rose-Cook, Chief Executive of the Northumberland FA, spoke highly of Barry’s impact on the younger referees, emphasizing his positive influence both on and off the pitch. Barry’s energetic approach to football and his amiable nature earned him widespread popularity and admiration within the football community.
The football clubs in the region, such as Newcastle West End FC, expressed their sadness over Barry’s passing and remembered him as a well-liked and respected match official. Barry’s friendly demeanor and passion for the sport made him a beloved figure to many. Barry’s son Liam, along with John Alder, had been on their way to watch Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly in New Zealand when the tragic MH17 incident occurred.
The loss of these devoted Toon fans brought football supporters from both Newcastle and Sunderland together in a touching display of unity, as they raised money in their memory. Barry’s dedication to football and his love for his son Liam will be fondly remembered by those who knew him.
He leaves behind a legacy of camaraderie and sportsmanship, and his presence will be deeply missed in the football community and beyond. May he find peace reunited with his son after years of seeking justice, and may his family find comfort and support during this difficult time of mourning.
How did Barry Sweeney Die?
Barry Sweeney, a popular football referee and devoted Newcastle United fan, passed away due to pancreatic cancer. He had been diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer just over a month before his unfortunate demise. Pancreatic cancer is a serious condition that arises when abnormal cells begin to form and multiply uncontrollably in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located in the abdomen.
Due to the pancreas’ critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and aiding digestion, this type of cancer can be particularly challenging to detect in its early stages. Often, symptoms may not manifest until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat successfully. In Barry’s case, his diagnosis came as a shock to his family, friends, and the football community where he was widely known and admired.
Despite his battle against this aggressive illness, Barry’s positive spirit and dedication to football continued to shine through, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. As a devoted supporter of Newcastle United, Barry was already a familiar face across Tyneside, but the tragic loss of his son Liam in the MH17 plane crash in 2014 brought him further into the public eye.
The grief of losing his son, coupled with his own health struggles, made his passing all the more poignant for those who knew him. Barry Sweeney’s legacy as a respected referee and a beloved football enthusiast will be remembered by the North East’s grassroots football community and beyond. His passion for the sport and his unwavering support for Newcastle United touched the lives of many, making his departure a heartfelt loss for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though Barry is no longer with us, his memory will live on through the cherished moments he shared with loved ones and the positive influence he had on the football community. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort and solace during this difficult time.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education