Youngest son of former MEP Mick Wallace dies following short illness

Joe Barry Wallace (30) passed away in Tallaght hospital on Thursday with his family at his side following a short illness.

The son of the recently unseated Ireland South MEP and Patricia Barry, Joe was a talented footballer and played for Wexford Youths when the League of Ireland club was in its infancy.

Late on Thursday night, the club posted a short tribute.

“We are desperately saddened to hear of the passing of our former player and son of Mick, Joe Barry Wallace,” it said.

“We send our deepest sympathies to the Wallace family and all of his friends and clubmates. RIP Joseph.”

Joe is also survived by his sister Grainne, who returned from New York to be by his side, and his half-siblings Sasha and Fionn from Wallace’s first marriage.

The devastating loss comes just two weeks after Mick Wallace lost his European Parliament seat in the recent elections, having represented Ireland South for the previous five years.

“That’s life,” he said having lost out at the count centre. “I’m very grateful to all the people who did vote for me and all the people who voted for me in the election five years ago. They gave me the opportunity to be on an amazing platform in Europe.”