Owens has been described as "among the best full-backs in Ireland".[1] He was an important part of Fermanagh's runs to the 2003 All-Ireland quarter-final and 2004 All-Ireland semi-final.[1] He is a double All-Star winner, having been honoured in 2004[2] and 2006.[3] Only two other Fermanagh footballers have received an All-Star award.[4]
In January 2008, it was announced that Owens would undergo heart surgery, but he was expected to return to football within a few months.[5]
On 21 June 2008, Fermanagh played Derry at Healy Park in the Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final; it was then that Barry Owens made his comeback. Within minutes of coming onto the pitch as a substitute, he scored a vital goal to give Fermanagh a place in the Ulster final.[6][7]
