Paddy Bourke (Rathcunikeen)RIP.

The parish and GAA community of Moycarkey Borris feel the loss of a great former player, lifelong enthusiastic supporter, and Honorary Vice President Paddy Bourke RIP.

The ‘Moycarkey Borris GAA story’ recounts Paddy’s long-playing career in the Red and Gold. The son of a former club captain Paddy developed into a strong and formidable defender. Throughout the decade of the 1960’s Paddy’s name was ever present on the club’s Senior Hurling team. In 1962 the team progressed to contest the County Senior Hurling Final. In the Final versus Sarsfields Paddy lined out as usual in the full back line with Mick Lonergan and Gus Ryan. The team captained by Pat Ryan played well but lost out narrowly. Other players on duty that day were John O Grady, Tommy Lonergan, Tom Bourke, Billy Shanahan, Donal Ryan, Billy Ryan, Dick Fitzgerald, Paddy Coman, Joe Coman, Liam Hennessy, Gerald Ryan, Billy Nolan and Tom Wright.

After his playing days Paddy was busy on the farm but continued to find the time to remain involved in the club’s Senior and Juvenile committees. He lived the club’s triumphs and disappointments intensely and encouraged his own family, relatives, and neighbours to keep playing. Paddy was an ever present at Moycarkey Borris games and regularly attended the team’s training sessions. Afterwards Paddy had time for a chat or a story or a ‘well-done’ or ‘a supportive word of consolation’ and always with an innate ability to make people feel better.

Our sympathies to Eileen, Maria, Brigid, Catherine, Anne, Jimmy, John and all the family.