Recieved life membership in 1974.
Barry McCabe who passed away on Sunday 8 December at the age of 93, was a pivotal figure in Canberra‘s Australian Rules football community. As the inaugural Secretary and Licensee of the Ainslie Football and Social Club, established in 1957, he played a crucial role in its development and success.
Barry was born in Collie Western Australia and the family moved to Canberra in 1948 after spending several years at Mildura where Barry first played Australian Rules. The family settled in Ainslie and Barry played two years in the Ainslie Intermediates before at the age of 19 he travelled to New Zealand with his brother Barney and another friend for what would these days be referred to as a ‘gap year’. Barry told the story that they planned to go to Canada but spent the year in NZ working casual jobs.
On his return to Canberra Barry prepared for the 1951 football season and although Ainslie finished the season in 5th position Barry had a great year. His exceptional skills on the field were recognised when he was awarded the Mulrooney Medal for the year, an honour he shared with Ernie Hurtig of Eastlake. Barry continued this form in 1952 when he was named Best Player in Ainslie’s Championship Grand Final team. In the lead up to the 1953 season Barry suffered a severe knee injury that effectively finished his football career at the age of 22.
When the Ainslie Football Club moved to establish a Social Club to support its football operations Barry became heavily involved and in 1957 at the age of 26 was made Secretary of the Social Club and first Licensee with his name above the front door. In this position Barry was fully responsible for the club under its liquor licence. Barry remained in this honorary role for 20 years until Don Andrews was appointed Ainslie’s first fulltime Secretary Manager. Barry’s dedication to this role was legendary with daily lunchtime visits to the Club to ensure all was in order. On one occasion Barry observed a ‘customer’ pick up the Punch Board money box and take off across Majura Oval. Barry proceeded to chase the thief and caught up with him near the toilet block and convinced him to hand back the money box. When quizzed recently about whether Barry had to use any physical force he politely replied – ‘I can’t remember’.
Barry continued to provide excellent service and input on the Social Club Board until 1987. He was made a Life Member of the Football Club in 1974 and of the Social Club in 1985.