Tom Burke was born in Carrownagur, Dunmore, in the infant years of the Irish Free State and in the shadow of the Carrantryla"Big House", in the latter days of landlordism in Ireland. It was a period of enormous change and events of the time left a lasting impression him all his life. He was the third child of a family of seven children, reared on a small farm. He attended the local Carrowkeel National School, and at the age of 14 years he was apprenticed to the local merchants, Collins' of Dunmore. Parents at the time had to pay a fee (usually five shillings per week) to cover food and lodgings while you were serving your apprenticeship.Tom worked hard, six and a half days a week and hours worked were never mentioned. He rapidly rose through the ranks in Collins's to become Foreman/General manager six years later, a fact recognised by the three red stripes on the cover of his ration book when he arrived in Kilkerrin in 1945. We first met Tom Burke in 1945 on his arrival at our home in Kilkerrin to take over the management of the family business, Glynn's, after the untimely death of our father. Our mother was left with a typical country business that sold just about everything, groceries, drapery, bar, light hardware etc and with a young family of seven ranging in age from twelve to three years. She had very little business experience. Tom, a young man of 21 years who was working in a similar business - Collins' of Dunmore - was recommended as a manager, and he was offered and duly took up the challenging position. Tom arrived in Kilkerrin having travelled the eight miles on his new bicycle, which his parents bought for him on his new appointment. The challenge must have been a daunting experience but Tom quickly settled in. He worked and lived with us as a member of our family for the next 1 years and made a huge success in developing the business. Through his efforts and with the assistance of our eldest brother Tom (R.I.P), (when he had finished his national school education), the other members of our family received the education and start in life that would otherwise not be possible. One and a half years after he arrived in Kilkerin he encouraged our mother to establish a second branch at Milltown and played no small part in getting Milltown up and running. Tom Burke integrated into the Kilkerrin community from day one. He got involved in all parish projects, organising and chairing many events. He was chairman and the driving force of the parish Rural Electrification Committee, that resulted in Kilkerrin Parish having the E.S.B in 1955 before most small rural parishes in Co.Galway. He was also chairman and chief organiser of the famous "Kidd Chocolate" boxing tournament held in Kilkerrin in the early 1950s. He was particularly active in running the annual carnivals in summertime and amateur drama projects in winter. He took a stage part in many of these drama presentations, mostly the Sean O'Casey plays such as "The Shadow of a Gunman". When Tom left Kilkerrin to come to Dublin in 1956 he left behind a thriving family business and a community that was greatly enriched by his foresight, drive and energy. Our sister Maureen was already working in Dublin as a pharmacist and it came as no surprise when their marriage took place two years later, in 1958. They lived in Dublin ever since. 82 Malahide Road was always an open door for the very many of us from Dunmore and Kilkerrin who would be up in Dublin for the match, the weekend or even to commence employment. Accommodation and food was always available free gratis. Tom was a born leader and a self-made man. Like most people of his era he did not have the benefit of second level education, but always believed that there was a living for anyone who did an honest day's work. In 1956 with his brother Denis (R.I.P), he operated licensed premises in the centre of Dublin, first in Parkgate Street and later in Marlborough Street. The pubs became the meeting places for Galway people "up for the match" and many a tale was told. After eight years in the pub business, he turned his hand to the building trade in 1964. On completion of his first repair job for the Power Supermarket Group he was offered the new full time position of Maintenance Manager for that company where he managed and supervised the security and maintenance of the supermarket chain. During this period, his office was next door to Galen Weston's and Tom's practical advice was frequently sought and applied by the chairman. He remained in this position for 24 years until his retirement. When Tom retired in 1988, he was given the honour of writing the editorial for the second issue of "Quinnsworth People" the firm's in-house magazine, Galen Weston the chairman having written the first editorial. During this varied career Tom mixed with a wide variety of people, his fellow country folk of the west of Ireland, commercial travellers and various sales people i Dunmore, Kilkerrin and Dublin, the Dublin inner city clientele of his public house, the staff, managers, directors of the Power and Quinnsworth Group including the Chairman Galen Weston and his wife Hillary. But there was always one common thread and that was Tom's ability to relate to and gain the respect of all these diverse people. He was know to be "one of Nature's Gentlemen", kind, caring and obliging. Outside of work Tom was a true family man. It is not necessary for us to relate his many fine qualities. Suffice it is to say that the demeanour of his seven children and 13 grandchildren bears testimony of their gratitude to a wonderful father and grandfather. Having had a hip replacement in 2000 Tom contracted the dreaded MRSA bug that was to seriously curtail his activities and eventually hasten his death. In the last seven years, Tom bore his illness with dignity and bravery, never complaining, only decrying the extra burden that he felt he was to his wife Maureen. But as we know this was a labour of love for Maureen and we know her children will be forever grateful. In his younger days, Tom was a useful footballer and took a keen interest in GAA affairs all his life. He played for several clubs and loved to attend Croach Park in later years. Dunmore MacHales, like many GAA clubs, occasionally suffered from internal dissension and could only afford one football. In 1945 this led to the formation of a second parish club, Carrantryla, or as they were later christened "The Slashers". So in 1945 Carrantryla was once again affiliated as a separate junior club with some well known names such as Kilgarriff, Ryder, Mitchell, Reilly, Reddington and the Burkes. And as Michael Leydon relates in his book: "As luck would have it they were drown against the MacHales in the first round of the Junior football Championship.The "Slashers" were determined to make the match against Dunmore a grand opening to their history, and to mark the occasion the Gurteen band was asked to lead the parade. The team togged out in Heneghan's and the band assembled to lead them onto the pitch. Excitement was high among the players as they heard the band turning up outside. Jim Warde, Malachy Furey, Mick Comer, Paddy Walsh, Tom ("Silver") Walsh and Tom Tierney were in fine fettle as they practiced the well-known marching airs. All was in readiness as Tom Burke their captain and full back led his men down the Dublin Road to the beat of the big bass drum. The crowds in the Demense.Despite the euphoria the story did not have a happy ending for the "Blue and Yellow" - MacHales won. Tom's playing career was cut short by a troublesome knew - we never heard of cartilage in those days. Farewell dear friend and thanks. Slan aus Beannacht, agus solas na bhrlaithis ar do anam uasal. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald. 1 November, 2007 Tweet

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