The late John Burke The death occurred of John Burke Castleview, Headford on Wednesday August, 16th, 2006. Formerly from Gortnamona, John was the eldest in a family of twelve to his late father John and his mother Peg who still resides in Gortnamona. In his mid fifties, his sudden death caused much sadness to his wife Jacinta his family and many friends in the Headford/Caherlistrane area; this was evident by the large number of people who attended his removal from Ryder's Funeral Home to St Mary's Church, Headford where Requiem Mass was celebrated before burial in Donaghpatrick cemetery. John, in his youth, attended Presentation College, Headford where he became a very popular student to his teachers and fellow classmates while the various subjects taken never caused him any problem. He played football and hurling with the College and football with his club, Caherlistrane, winning a North Board Under-16 League medal with the club in 1968. He held a life long interest in Gaelic Football and indeed in all other sports. After leaving secondary school John took up employment in SPS in Galway. Following a number of years there, he worked with the OPW in Headford where he made many friends. He was always a great entertainer and blessed with a singing voice. He played the guitar and started up many a good singsong. He formed a group in the seventies known as The Embers with Billy Howard and the late Jimmy Kelleghan from Shrule. He later played in other local bands and groups before doing gigs on his own singing a wide variety of songs and ballads. A gentleman to the core John loved to sing and play and have a chat and was well versed in all topics. He will be sadly missed in the area. John Burke is survived by his wife Jacinta, his sons Darren, Keefe, Jonathon, daughter Hazel, grandchildren Chole and Aaron, his mother Peg, brothers Peter, Danny, Willie, Paul, David and Martin, sisters Mary, Ann, Claire, Tina and Geraldine, nieces, nephews and many friends. To his wife, mother, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters and the entire family we extend our sincere sympathy. Ar dheis De a raibh a anam. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald 24/08/2006 Tweet

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