He first appeared on the inter-county scene during a two-year tenure with the Kerry minor team before winning an All-Ireland Under-21 Championship title in 1964.
[1] Barrett was just out of the minor grade when he made his senior debut during the 1961 Grounds' Tournament semi-final against Offaly.
Barrett subsequently won a National League title and was part of four Munster Championship-winning teams.
He experienced club success in the twilight of his career, winning County Championship titles with Austin Stacks.
Barrett's tenure as manager of the Wexford senior football team ended in controversial circumstances when he received a two-year suspension by the GAA's Games Administration Committee for striking referee Mick Curley at the conclusion of their National League match against Cavan.