A HOMESPUN pack star who reluctantly left Saints in 1995 has hung up his boots after earning an elusive Challenge Cup winners medal with Bradford Bulls.

Proud son of Thatto Heath Bernard Dwyer (33) retired after snapping bicep tendons in both arms, and now awaits his 14th operation in 16 seasons in the game!

He took his final bow when he was presented to the crowd after the Bulls' victory over Saints at Odsal, when many visiting fans bade farewell to a player who had been a Knowsley Road hero.

"I really appreciated their gesture because it is nice to be remembered after spending 11 years at Saints," said 'Barney,' who lives at Eccleston Park with wife Jackie and children Kelly and Connor

The durable Dwyer suffered his first bicep problem against Warrington in the Cup semi-final, and battled on against Leeds in the final to pick up his coveted 'gong' after four abortive attempts (two against Saints).

The injury jinx again at Hull where, coincidentally, Bernard's professional career began with Saints in 1984, and it was then that he realised a oval-ball love affair that began at St. Austin's school was over.

Bernard starred with Hare and Hounds and Saints under 17s before signing for Saints, and made 233 appearances, scored 39 tries and 51 goals before enjoyed a richly deserved testimonal in 1995.

In that same year Dwyer joined Bradford with Paul Loughlin and Sonny Nickle as part of a deal that took Paul Newlove to Knowsley Road, a move Bernard believes was the best he ever made.

A Great Britain tourist in 1996 where he earned a Test cap in New Zealand, Barney also made two appearances for Ireland (he qualified through his late grandfather Patrick).

Looking to the future Bernard is now a student at St. Helens College, would like to coach and has spent the last 12 months in that role with Thatto Heath Crusaders under 18s.

Perhaps the most fitting tribute to a player who always gave 100 per cent commitment came from Saints skiper Chris Joynt who said: "If you're in the trenches Bernard Dwyer is the man to have on your side!"