The late Brazil Burke Unspeakable sorrow engulfed the community of Hospital when 21-year-old Brazil Burke, who died following a tragic accident in Ibiza, was laid to rest. Mr Burkem who was holidaying with friends from County Limerick, was abroad a floating disco in Tunisian waters when the tragedy occurred. It is thought that Mr Burke may have dived off the boat and was intending to swim back to the vessel but got into difficulty. Mr Burke, a nephew of Defence Minister Willie O'Dea, is survived by his parents, John and Mary, and his older sisters, Carol and Lilian. Several hundred mourners attended his Requiem Mass in John the Baptist Church, Hospital, conducted by Canon Conor Ryan, PP, Hospital. He was assisted by Fr Fonsie Culnane, chaplain of the Limerick Institute of Technology where Mr Burke studied; Fr Tom Egan, PP, Kilteely, Fr Willie Hennessy, Knocklong, Fr Francis McNamara and Fr Cleary of Hospital. Archbishop Dermot Clifford also presided at the Mass and extended his sympathy to the family. The Taoiseach was represented by Lt Col Matthew Murray of Sarsfield's Barracks; Maj Gen Pat Nash represented the Defence Forces. Also present were Deputy John Cregan, Deputy Peter Power, Michael Smith, Sen Labhras O Murchu, Deputy Michael Noonan, former Minister Tom O'Donnell, local councillors and many others. "This is a parish that has had its own share of tragedy, yet it still takes us unawares when it happens," said Canon Ryan. He said a tragedy like this was life a bolt of lightening which left everyone was numb. "One minute there is light and power and the next there is darkness and confusion. The tragedy occurs when the light goes out in our lives," he said. Canon Ryan said that words were not adequate to comfort the family and friends of Brazil, and that all people can do was to be there to offer support. "It is really frightening the number of parents who have lost a son or a daughter, and their sympathies and understanding are most appreciated by John and Mary," said Canon Ryan. He told the congregation that Mr Bourke had just qualified with a civil engineering degree from LIT and was a cheerful, good humoured young man. "He was always happy in the presence of his family and he could amuse them. He had many friends and acquaintances, I say acquaintances because he had his own website and it had over 4,000 hits," said Canon Ryan. "He was a relaxed person to be with and he got on well with people of all ages and people from all backgrounds. Who knows, if he got a chance, he might have taken on his uncle Willie some day and given him a run for his money," said Canon Ryan. he said that Mr Burke had two great passions, one was machinery, which he probably inherited from his grandfather and was a passion which was nurtured by his father. His second great passion was for music and he had a fine collection of cds. Mr Burke was also very involved with sport and played GAA with the Hospital/Herbertstown club, rugby for Galbally and was a member of the Scarteen Hunt. Mr Burke's cousin, Ritchie Ryan, addressed the congregation and paid tribute to everyone who had been there for the family and for all those who attended the funeral. Mr Burke's sister, Carol, received a round of applause when she read a specially chosen reflection. Burial took place afterwards at Hospital cemetery. Courtesy of The Limerick Leader 12/08/2006 Tweet

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