Barry Connolly

Barry Connolly (30 August 1938 – 6 May 2011) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Footscray in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

A centreman, Connolly spent the 1958 VFL season at Footscray and kicked three goals against Richmond on his debut. At the end of the year he returned to the country and went on to have a long career as a player, coach and administrator.

In 1965, he was seriously injured while working at a tin mine when a barrel of sulphuric acid exploded. He was burnt extensively and spent six weeks recovering in hospital. He was coach of the Ardlethan Football Club during this time.

Connolly coached Goulburn Valley Football League club Shepparton United in 1983 and 1984. He also served as the league's president.

He and his wife Monica had four children, including former Fremantle coach Chris Connolly.