BARRY REVEALS HE WAS NAMED AFTER MAN UTD ICON
18/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
KEANE BARRY has revealed he was actually named after Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Keane is the joint most decorated Irish footballer of all time alongside Denis Irwin and Ronnie Whelan, having won 19 major trophies in his club career, including 17 during his glittering spell at Old Trafford.
‘Dynamite’ says the former midfield hardman remains the celebrity he would most love to have a pint with.
He told Sports Joe: “Roy Keane. I am named after him. My mother didn’t like Roy so Keane it was.”
The Meath thrower opened up in a hilarious quick-fire Q&A, touching on his best pals in darts, his sporting inspirations and the one icon he still dreams of facing on the oche.
Asked who the funniest player in darts is and who has the best walk-on, Barry instantly pointed to his fellow compatriot.
He said: “I would say Willie O’Connor, he comes out with some pretty stuff.”
The 23-year-old also named his closest mates on the PDC circuit, with a strong Irish contingent making the list.
He continued: “Willie, Steve Lennon, Mickey [Mansell], Brendan [Dolan] we all get on.”
Barry also paid tribute to local hero Mick McGowan, revealing he inspired him while growing up in the same area.
He added: “Mick Mcgowan’s from my village. He is from Duleek himself.
“When I was growing up, he was playing in the World Championship.”
Away from darts, Barry is a huge Liverpool F.C. fan, although he admitted he has not been blown away by the Reds this season under Arne Slot.
He explained: “I wouldn’t [sack Arne Slot].
“We did win the League last year. But it hasn’t been very impressive this year.”
And when it came to naming the one player he would most love to compete against, Barry picked the greatest of all time.
He said: “Phil Taylor.”
The world No.54 has enjoyed a superb start to the campaign, reaching the semi-finals of Players Championship Seven and the sixth round of the UK Open.
Barry returns to action on the ProTour this afternoon in Leicester for Players Championship 17.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
