A mass will be held in the college chapel, starting at 7.30pm, to mark the occasion.

Known as one of the great characters at the college, Father Barry was an old boy himself and, along with his three brothers, Xavier, Rom and John, entered the priesthood after leaving the college.

One of the other two children in the Barry family, Carmel, became a Daughter of Charity with the Vincentians.

Headmaster at Stannies John Edwards said yesterday Father Barry was a long-serving staff member at the college, teaching history with great success during his time there.

"Perhaps Stan is best remembered for his vocal support of Stannies' teams at rugby games," he said.

"The stories tell of a figure standing alone on the bank with a voice that was able to colourfully cut across the fields and be heard by all present.

"Stan Barry tales still abound at Stannies and whenever old boys' functions are held his name is inevitably widely used."

Mr Edwards said Father Barry is currently an assistant priest at the Parish of Southport on the Gold Coast.