Passing of former All-Ireland-winning Mayo minor manager
THE death has taken place of Michael (Mick) Burke, Drumminwonagh, Westport, and formerly of Tourmakeady.
The deceased, a widely popular personality, was manager of the Mayo minor team that won the All-Ireland title in 1985.
He also coached Burrishoole GAA Club for many years and trained the Mayo VEC senior squad to an All-Ireland crown in 1972.. He served as selector of the Mayo senior squad for a period.
During his own playing career, he starred with his native Tourmakeady, playing in the West Mayo Junior final in 1972 and winning All-Ireland Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta medal the following year.
A teacher by profession, he was a former member of the staff of Davitt College, Castlebar, and Kiltimagh Vocational School.
He is survived by his wife Máire, daughters Niamh and Sinéad, son Maitias, sons-in-law Frank and Ger, daughter-in-law Martha, grandchildren Alex, Pippa, Cillian, Síofra, Múirin, Meadhbh and Maidhc, mother Tess Burke (Tourmakeady), brothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
His remains will be reposing in Navin's Funeral Home, Westport, on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral will arrive at St. Mary's Church, Westport on Monday at 11.30 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 12.30 p.m. Cremation takes place in Shannon Crematorium at 4 p.m.
In a tribute to him, Tourmakeady GAA Club stated: “Guíonn CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh comhbhrón le clann Mhíchíl de Búrca a fuair bás inniu. Bhí grá mór aige do cluichí Gaelach agus ba mhór an ról a ghlac sé i gnóthaí an Chumann Lúthchleas Gael i gContae Mhaigh Eo ar feadh a shaoil. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam uasal.
“CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh extends deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the late Mick Burke who passed away today. The Burke family have given tremendous service to the GAA and LGFA in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh and Mayo over the years and Mick's loss will be sadly missed.
“Mick wore the No. 14 black and white jersey for several years in his youth. He was on the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh team that reached the 1972 West Mayo final and the following year he won an All-Ireland Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta medal and also the Gael Linn (Oireachtas) Cup in Croke Park.
“Mick was a school teacher and for many years he was involved with the Mayo Vocational Schools team, managing them to victory in the 1982 All-Ireland final. That Mayo VS panel included four Tuar Mhic Éadaigh players - Sean Lydon, Michael Horan, Joe Dolan and Michael O'Malley.
“Three years later in 1985, Mick managed the Mayo minors to an All-Ireland championship win over Cork. That team included several players who went on to play in the All-Ireland senior final of 1989. Mick also served for a while as a selector with the Mayo senior football team.”
May his gentle soul rest in peace.