The late Jim Burke The parish of Our Lady's Island lost one of its great community workers with the passing of the late James (Jim) Burke at Knockeen Nursing Home, after a long illness borne with fortitude and great courage. Jim from Ballysheen, Carne was a member of a well-known and highly respected family. Gifted in many ways, Jim was a Master Thatcher, Stonemason, Carpenter and noted gardener. In his youth he was a noted hand-baller with the Island Club. He loved hurling and attended hurling matches all over Ireland. He was a well-known Tug-0-War man. In December 2006, in spite of failing health, Jim carried the Ireland Flag at the Christmas Carol Service in Our Lady's Island Service. Much sympathy is extended to his widow Mary, sons Michael, James, Patrick and John, daughters Maria, Linda and Monica, sisters Nan, Mary Ellen and Nell, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, mother-in-law Elizabeth Millar. His remains were removed from Macken's Funeral Home to Our Lady's Island Church where they were received by Rev Colm C Murphy, Adm. and Rev. Tom Eustance, former parish priest. Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Rev. C Murphy Adm. and Rev. T McGrath, PP. Traditional musician Brendan Wickham and organist Fintan Cleary played beautiful slow airs during Mass. In his homily, Fr Murphy paid a glowing tribute to Jim, a man of strong faith, a loving husband, father and brother, hardworking, a great sportsman, a man who loved his garden. The large crowd who attended the funeral testified the esteem in which Jim was held in. Our Lady's Island hurling team and Pilgrimage committee members formed a guard of honour beside the hearse on its way to the cemetery. Fr Murphy officiated at the graveside tribute to Jim while John Cousins played a moving graveside lament. Courtesy of the Wexford People 14 March 2007 Tweet

Most Read Stories