Death of Mayo Irish Rail signal man who performed a heroic rescue back in 1987

The death has occurred unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital of John Burke (better known as Johnny), Ballymacragh, Westport Road, Castlebar.

A widely popular personality, he is survived by his wife Julie (née Ruddy), sons Brendan (Springfield, Castlebar) and John (Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh), daughters Ann Moran (Turlough) and Marie Dunlop (Turlough), grandchildren Chloe, Sarah, Méabh, Louis, Alex, Aimee and Layla, sons-in-law James and Steve, daughters-in-law Mary and Teresa, his brother Frank (Ballymacragh), sister Maureen Bullimore (Liverpool and Aughagower), brothers -in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

He was predeceased by his parents James and Annie (née Carney), his brother Jimmy (London) and his infant son Alan.

Johnny worked for Irish Rail for over 40 years, carrying out duties as a signal man at Manulla junction.

He also worked in the road freight department and for many years was the Guinness Delivery Man.

Johnny was hailed as a hero when he rescued three occupants of a light aircraft which overshot the runway at Castlebar airport and crash landed and overturned at Castlebar Railway Station back in August 1987.

During the course of the rescue he sustained injuries but this did not prevent him from continuing the rescue of all three people who were on board.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Removal from his home takes place on Easter Monday at 10.45 a.m. to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m.

Afterwards, Johnny will be laid to rest in the Old Cemetery, Castlebar, with his parents and infant son.

The Funeral Mass may be listened to in Castlebar on Castlebar Parish Radio 105.3FM or may be viewed on www.churchtv.ie/castlebar

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