There was deep regret and great shock all over West Cork and further afield on Tuesday evening when news broke of the sudden death of Michael Burns.He will be a big loss to his family, friends,work colleagues in Eircom and the Castlehaven Community.
It is fair to say that Michael Burns was one of the great
Castlehaven footballers and characters of his generation.
He was a brilliant underage footballer for his club Castlehaven,Carbery and Cork.He played adult football with Castlehsven from the late 70's to the late 90's.He made his Senior debut in 1979 at midfield and was hugely instrumental in Castlehaven making its first C
ounty Senior Football Final.
Castlehaven won its first County Under 21 Football Fiinal in 1981 and he was the star man of the team at midfield.
In 1989 when Castlehaven won there first County Senior Football title he played a huge role at centre back.He won 2 County Senior and 3 Munster Club Championship medals before retiring from playing in the late 90's.
He had a hugely successful career at Inter County Under 21 level winning 2 All Ireland Under 21 medals in 1980 & 1981 and 3 Munster Championship Medals.He captained the Cork Under 21 team in 1982 but lost to Roscommon in the All lreland Semi-Final
Michael burst on the Senior stage in 1982 with a brilliant display against Kerry in the Munster Final.This game ended in a draw with Kerry winning the replay.Michael played at corner back,center back, midfield, center-forward and full forward for Cork.He won a National League Medal in 1989.
At last years County Final Castlehaven had its 25th Reunion,Mike had not a grey hair on his head and was still looking fit enough to tog out.
Michael was a mighty character on and off the field, a great man to give and take banter and was always a true gentleman.
The Officers and members of the Carbery Board extends their sympathies to his wife Anna , sons David and Kielan,brothers Teddy and Gerard and sister Marian.
At dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Reposing at his residence Thursday 7th May from 5pm to 8pm followed by Rosary.
Removal on Friday 8th May at 11am to St.Brigid's Church Union Hall arriving for 12 noon Requiem Mass. Funeral immediately afterwards to Castlehaven New cemetery.