- Music
- 29 Dec 16
We’re saddened to learn the heartbreaking news that the award-winning musician Barry Grace has passed away “peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff” at a Dublin hospice.
The Dublin-born songwriter/producer - who was the keyboard player in Electric Penguins - first found success as one half of the successful jingle production company Ear 2 Ear.
He went on to carve out a brilliant music career, both in partnership with long time collaborator Paul Murphy and with his own solo projects, such as composing and producing scores for film and television, and playing keyboards with Electric Penguins. Barry was also a member of the Irish Philharmonic Choir.
Barry twice scooped the best soundtrack award in the prestigious Kinsale Advertising Awards and was the winner and finalist in many international song contests.
In 2015, the talented musician was a finalist in the Eurovision Song Contest selection for Lithuania with the song 'Factory Hearts', which he co-wrote with Darragh Reck.
Barry was also a board director with The Irish Film Board between 2009-20013 and, as his website points out, “helped bring many Irish films to international acclaim and success".
Barry scored the music for many popular TV adverts, such as these popular ones for Barry’s Tea and Finches:
Barry’s death notice on the RIP website reads as follows: “The death has occurred of Grace Barry, December 26, 2016, (Ranelagh, Dublin 6, formerly Nutgrove Avenue, Churchtown, Dublin 14). Peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross. Beloved son of the late Tom and Lena, loving brother of the late Noel, Brian and Phyllis. Barry will be sadly missed by his brother Tom, sister Helena, nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family and close friends in the Art's and Music world.
“Reposing at Our Lady's Hospice, Harolds Cross tomorrow, Thursday evening. Removal on Friday afternoon to The Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, for Service at 2.00pm followed by cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross. All enquiries to Massey Bros., Templeogue Village 01 4907601.”
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.