Patrick (Pake) Bourke
Newtown, Clogher, Claremorris
THE death has taken place after a short illness of Pake Bourke, Newtown, Clogher, a well-known retired postman in the locality. Born on March 29, 1920, Pake grew up in an era in rural Ireland when farming was one of the main sources of employment.
Having being raised in a farming environment he worked in close harmony with his Creator as he nurtured his fields to produce good crops and took great care of his livestock.
As a young man he joined the staff of Post and Telegraphs as a postman delivering letters and parcels in the locality. Throughout his time working as a postman his pleasant and friendly personality built bridges of friendship with those he met on his daily delivery round. On September 9, 1956, he married Annie Ruane in Islandeady Church and the couple were blessed with five daughters.
During his leisure time he enjoyed a good game of cards and visiting neighbours and friends. With his job, he delivered letters from emigrants overseas and on some occasions he brought letters bearing news of the passing of a loved one. For those people to whom he delivered mail he was more than just a postman - he was an important social contact especially for the older members of the community. In the earlier years delivering the mail he travelled on his bicycle and in later years he used a car. His postal delivery area stretched from Clogher to Cullintra.
The love and affection he radiated to so many people during his long life was reflected as large crowds came to bid farewell to Pake during his funeral from Thomas Street Funeral Home, Castlebar and for his requiem Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Carnacon. During the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Jack Garvey and Fr James Quinn the Lessons were read by Stephen McGing and Niamh Hession.
The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by David McGing; Donal Kelly, Niall Hession, Niamh Hession and Stephen McGing.
The offertory gifts were carried to the altar by Michael Hession and John Morrissey. The Post Communion reflection was read by SeΡn McGing.
After the funeral Mass Pake was laid to rest in Drum Cemetery.
To his wife, Annie, daughters, Mary Hession, Newtown; Anne Bourke, Galway; Kathleen McGing, Ayle; Patricia Morrissey, Tipperary and Carmel Kelly, Castlebar; sister Maureen Plunkett, Moorehall; sons-in-law, grandchildren, sisters in law; nieces and nephews and his many other relatives and friends we extend our sincerest sympathies. May his gentle soul rest in peace.