Background
His father is George "Geordie" Bowers and his mother Christina Bowers.
His father is George "Geordie" Bowers and his mother Christina Bowers.
He is the record holder for European appearances for a Glentoran player & Irish League player, with a number of appearances for Ards in Europe towards the end of his career. Despite missing so much Barney still amassed over 500 appearances for Glentoran after joining from Derby County in August 1981, but for those two broken legs and a fractured cheekbone Barney would have been the record holder for Glentoran appearances. As an 18-year-old Barney slipped through the Glentoran scouting network, only to be signed by Cliftonville.
In those days Barney was a midfielder, and earned rave reviews, for his all action play.
Such was his talent that Derby manager Tommy Docherty signed him for £25,000. Despite an offer from Swindon Town, Barney opted to return to Belfast, and join his boyhood favourites at The Oval.
Along with Paterson, Cleary, Jameson, Blackledge et cetera Barney played his part during the trophy winning sides of the mid-eighties.
Goals have also played their part in Barney"s game with over 100 during his time.
A well-deserved honour for truly one of the great Glentoran players. Debut v Dundalk 0-0 (H) August 1981 As of 2013, he is 6th place on the list of most appearances for Glentoran with 524. He is also on the list for top goal scorers with 108.
1992-1993 (shared with Glenavon) 1982-1983, 1986-1987,, 1994-1995 1981-1982, 1982-1983, 1983-1984, 1988-1989.
This also means he is a member of the 250 Club.