Laying down deep roots in the ancient soil of the Emerald Isle after arriving as twelfth century invaders, bearers of the Barry name readily adapted to and adopted the native culture – identifying themselves throughout succeeding centuries with Ireland’s cause. Some suffered, but many prospered, as do their descendants scattered across the world today. Along with the Scotsman John Paul Jones, Commodore John Barry, born in County Wexford in 1745, is recognised, along with the Scotsman John Paul Jones, as one of the founding fathers of the American Navy, while in contemporary times John Barry is the award-winning English film score composer best known for composing to date the soundtracks for no less than eleven James Bond films that include the 1963 From Russia with Love. Their proud and vibrant tale is chronicled here.
