Burke, Jimmy
May 25, 2012
There was widespread sadness at the passing of Jimmy Burke of Coolarne. Jimmy was well known and hugely popular. In his youth he was an excellent hurler and one of three brothers who wore the Turloughmore jersey with pride.
Jimmy's hurling career started back in the late forties and he was part of the Coolarne school team that had huge success on the hurling fields. Jimmy won six Galway Senior Hurling Championship medals with Turloughmore during the golden era of the sixties. 1964 was a special year to remember for the Burke family as three members of the team lined out in the county final against Ballinasloe in Pearse Stadium. Pakie at full back, Johnny at midfield and Jimmy at full forward. Some argue that Jimmy scored the greatest goal ever scored in Kenny Park, Athenry in a game against Castlegar. Jimmy was proud to see his children and grandchildren go on to wear the famed black and white with Turloughmore on hurling and camogie fields.
He never lost his lifelong passion for hurling and especially his beloved Turloughmore. Jimmy farmed all his life and worked hard to make ends meet, rearing a large family in difficult times. With his wife Chris they also cared for Jimmy's parents and brother Mickie. He loved the land and was a good judge of livestock. He also loved the social and recreational life and was a great conversationalist with lots of good humour and stories. There was heartbreak in the Burke household for Jimmy and Chris when their son Seamus lost his life in a tragic accident and it was also deeply upsetting when their daughter-in-law Kathleen passed away after a short illness. The family stuck together during these difficult times and gradually overcame these difficulties. The remains of Jimmy Burke were removed from Lackagh Mortuary Chapel to the Church of Our Lady of Knock, Lackagh. Following concelebrated Requiem Mass where chief celebrant Fr Gussie O'Brien was joined by Fr.Des Walsh, PP Lackagh, Fr Johnny Dunleavy, Fr Joe O'Brien, Abbeyknockmoy and Fr John D Flanery, burial took place in Lackagh Cemetery.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Christina, sons John, Patsy, Michael and Paul, daughters Marie, Helen, Christina and Bernie, grandchildren, sisters Mary Kate and Annie and brother Pakie, inlays, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
- courtesy of Tuam Herald, 25th May 2012
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