Drunnagh, Kilmeena, Westport
Mike was born on March 7 1926 to Peter and Bridget Burke nee Walsh Killawalla, brother to Paddy Bourke Castlebar (RIP) and Tommy Bourke Kilmeena (RIP) and devoted brother of Eileen Bourke Kilmeena who looked after him affectionately right to the end of his life on the early hours of Friday morning, April 15, 2016 in the Bon Secure Hospital, Galway.
A deserved eulogy was given by his cousin Beatrice Mulloy who paid tribute to Mike and how he brought great joy to his family and friends through his kindness, thoughtfulness and wonderful sense of humour.
Mikes father Peter died tragically leaving Mike to run the farm at the early age of 14 years. Hard work was no stranger to Mike who could turn his hand to anything.
Mike had a great love of the land and the sea and this was evident thoughout the eulogy in stories that were known to the locals.
He was a shrewd judge of livestock, which earned him the local name of Vet. If anyone had any problems with cows calving, sick cattle, Mike was the first to be called.
Mike had a hackey business brining neighbors and friends to appointments and dances in the neighbouring parishes.
Mike was a great brother; neighbor and friend who genuinely loved people to visit and have the cup of tea. There was a great gentleness about Mike that radiated from his presence. He was never one to seek the limelight but was always there to lend help & support in a quiet and reassuring fashion.
Mike celebrated his 90th birthday a few weeks ago in St Brendans Nursing Home surrounded by his family and friends . Mike made both staff and visitors all smile and laugh with his unknowly wit.
Large crowds gathered at the removal and for requiem mass which reflected the regard and respect that so many people had for Mike. Gifts brought to the Altar depicted his life and included Mikes Fr Cullen medal which he received in 2008 and this he was proud of.
At the graveside Mikes good friend Charles Smith sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ which bid farewell to his neighbor.
Mike was laid to rest in Kilmeena cemetery. May God be with you until we meet again and may your gentle and caring soul forever rest in peace.
