Tributes following the death of highly-regarded Mayo man
The late John F Bourke
Tributes have been paid to a Mayo man described as an “utter gentleman” following the news of his passing.
Ballinrobe Musical Society has paid tribute to one of its most valued members following the death of John F Burke.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the late John F Burke, who was a valued part of Ballinrobe Musical Society for many years,” said Ballinrobe Musical Society in a tribute on social media.
The Society said John was a proud Ballinrobe man and “utter gentleman.”
“John F was an utter gentleman who was well regarded by everyone involved in our society.
Long before the advent of social media, John F was a constant in the corridors during show week, capturing photos and immortalising many priceless memories.
He always did this freely and generously and had an enormous appreciation of our society and its role in our community.
Through his dedication, good nature and deep appreciation of musical theatre, John F was a big part of our society.
This proud Ballinrobe man will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
John was also a leading light with Ballinrobe Handball Club and was a well-known figure in the sport in Mayo.
“He gave a lifetime of commitment to our Club since its foundation in 1987 right up to the present day .He was outstanding in a number of Officer positions but he excelled in his role as PRO securing sponsorship for Club shirts and ensuring the name ‘Ballinrobe Handball Club ‘ or BHC was to the fore and clearly visible.
“During his playing days he enjoyed a game of doubles but it was the fun and banter around the game especially on days of local tournaments that John F was at his best . He will be greatly missed by all of us his colleagues and friends in BHC,” said the club.
John passed away peacefully after an illness bravely borne, in the most wonderful care of the Mayo Hospice Team, Castlebar.
He was predeceased by his father John Paddy and sister-in-law Clare.
John is deeply regretted and fondly remembered by his loving family, his heartbroken mother Breedge, siblings Jimmy, Rose and Karl, brother-in-law Noel, adored nieces and nephews Wayne, Shane, Aoife, Gemma, Tara, Johnny, Ciara and Aoibh, grandnieces and grandnephews Jonah, Odhran, Luca, Aurora, Clara and Thomás. Uncle Pat, Aunt Margaret and aunt Ann, cousins, relatives and a large circle of supportive friends.
