Barry O'Hanlon

Infobox character
name= Barry O'Hanlon
portrayer=Pat Nolan
first=1989
occupation=Journalist
family= Linda, Mary

Barry O'Hanlon is a fictional character who appears in the TV show "Fair City". This character is played by Pat Nolan. [ [http://www.rte.ie/about/pressreleases/08052005.html "Fair City"'s Pat Nolan wins Best Soap Actor Award] rte.ie, (May 8, 2005).]

He is the editor for the local newspaper, The Northside Post.

Character's background

Barry began his career as a teacher at the local secondary school. Niamh Cassidy, a student in his class, was infatuated with him and they had a passionate clinch. When Niamh lied that Barry seduced her, he nearly lost his job, but she eventually told the truth. Later on, Niamh and Barry got engaged. Derek kidnapped her and Barry rescued her, but as the wedding day was approaching, Niamh started to have second thoughts and she realised that she was in love with Paul Brennan, who was Barry's best friend. The wedding was called off, but Niamh initially decided to stay in a relationship with Barry, but she then broke up with him in public and continued her affair with Paul. When Barry found out that Niamh had been two-timing him with his best friend, he began a downward spiral and spent Christmas at home drinking and feeling depressed. Niamh and Paul were shocked to see a depressed Barry arrive at their house. After this confrontation, Barry decided to get on with his life, so he returned to his job of teacher and he soon became a dedicated principal. When he met Sorcha Byrne, he began a relationship with her. Unfortunately for him, he was two-timed once again. Sorcha had an affair with Ross O'Rourke, a 19-year old Leaving Cert repeat student.

Barry tried to reconcile with Sorcha, but when the teachers found out about the illicit affair, the trauma proved too much for Barry and he once again was overcome by depression. He lost his principal status and Kieran took over his position. Barry suffered a breakdown and spent months in a psychiatric ward. Barry talked about his problems and he eventually recovered from his illness. While there he encountered an old flame, Annette, a local solicitor. Although both psychologically fragile upon exiting the hospital, contrary to medical advice they began a relationship.

Annette offered the newly unemployed Barry work at her legal practise, where he was to work as a secretary. However, he quickly became involved in more technical aspects of the work there, so much so that after a number of weeks, Barry was writing an article for a law journal. Barry's lack of legal expertise was a source of annoyance for William and June, the other solicitors working with Annette, and eventually he had to leave his job there. However, all was not lost for Barry O Hanlon as his next job as an investigative journalist was just around the corner. When Barry published an article on the rape in the local newspaper, Dominic Kavanagh informed him that his daughter was the girl who was raped. At this time, Detective Byrne began giving Barry information. Barry applied for the position of editor and was given the job. Barry interviewed Dermot Fahey about the recent attacks. When the identity of the rapist was revealed to be Tibbs, Detective Byrne told Barry about this. When Barry questioned Dominic about assaulting Tibbs, he shrugged it off. Byrne explained that Tibbs was linked with the previous assaults, but he is certain that a vigilante is still on the loose. Barry was planning on investigating this matter further, but Ken Fahey convinced him not to.

When Cleo Cullen was being bullied at school, she wanted to leave. Her foster mother Dolores spoke to Barry about this and he managed to convince her to go back to school. Cleo thanked Barry for helping her on her road to becoming a chef. She made dinner for her Barry, Dolores and her boyfriend Pierce as thanks.

In 2008, Barry became employed at the local newspaper owned by Seamus McAleer. Little did he know that he was being used to sabotage the project going on in the school he used to be principal of. He also proposed to Annette and she accepted.

References

External links

* [http://www.rte.ie/tv/faircity/barry.html Profile of Barry O'Hanlon at www.rte.ie]