At 73 he has bought a toy – a tank.

“Some have said ‘bloody hell’, when they learnt I had bought a tank, and wonder why a person would do it,” Barry said.

“I have also challenged myself and wondered why. People are sort of amazed when they see it and then question my sanity,” he laughed.

“When I got it I did think ‘what have I done?’.”

But for those who know him, it is probably no great surprise that he bought a tank, as he has long had an interest in military gear, and also has four army vehicles.

Barry had been looking around for one for a while before purchasing the Centurion tank.

“They are getting pretty rare. I looked at another two. This one is complete. It’s got everything that a combat tank has,” Barry said. “Even duffle coats.”

The tank was built in 1954 and was initially deployed in Hong Kong.

While he admits to finding driving it a bit of a problem, he is getting there, as he operates a business that has heavy earthmoving equipment.

Barry had never driven a tank prior to purchasing it, but says it is not unfamiliar with the kind of vehicles he has driven in his business. It was just a matter of getting in it and driving it – around his yard in the light industrial area.

“It’s a bit awkward changing gears, but it goes alright. The gears are no big deal but going backwards is a bit tricky. You need someone to guide you otherwise you might run over a car,” he said with a hint of humour in his voice.

Asked how much it cost, Barry replied: “I really wouldn’t want to say. You could say it is an investment.”

Barry can’t wait to take it to a local farm for a “bit of a burn”. It has a maximum speed of 34kmh.

He uses a low-loader to move it around and it was on display at the recent St Joseph’s School fete.