Declan Burke, class '70
In Memoriam
The Union is sadden to hear of the passing of Declan Burke, class '70.
The death has occurred of DECLAN W. BURKE
Blackrock, Dublin
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BURKE Declan W. (Blackrock, Co Dublin and formerly Castleknock College) 23rd December 2015, after a short illness in the wonderful care of all the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital. Darling husband of Anet and loving dad of Thomas, Alanna and Marie-Anne. He will be sadly missed by his family, his sisters Maeve and Helen, his daughter-in-law Carol, grandchildren Thomas and Maggie, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, all his relatives and a wide circle of friends. Removal on Tuesday (29th December) to the Church of the Assumption, Booterstown Avenue arriving at 5.00 o’clock. Requiem Mass on Wednesday (30th December) at 10.00 o’clock followed by Funeral to Shanganagh Cemetery. House private please. All enquiries to Fanagans Donnybrook on 01-215 3980. |
Date Published: Wednesday 23rd December 2015
Date of Death: Wednesday 23rd December 2015
Declan arrived to Castleknock in 1964, following in the footsteps of his father Noel, who himself was a well loved member of class '36, and if there ever was a case of like father, like son, then this is it. When one thinks of any Union event over the last 30 years, there always came a point when a roll call of numbers coming was called for, and the answer always was “so many but Declan yet to come in” - and when he did, it was always along the lines of “table of 10 for me Rita; will be taking taking two four balls for the golf; delighted to support the careers evening and will have five guests in tow”.
He was quite simply fantastic and our loss is immense but it pales besides that of his family, and to them we offer our heartfelt condolences.
Requiescat in Pace.
I met Declan on the first weekend in Sept 1964, being my first day as a student in Castleknock College. Little did I realise that it was to be the start of a friendship that would last a lifetime. I still have recollections of playing rugby with Dec on the Under 12s, which was to be the beginning of his passionate affair with all things rugby. After school, our lives went in different directions with Dec going to London and Middle East before later returning to Ireland to start his family with Anet. I was fortunate to have rekindled our friendship when Dec set up home in Blackrock and which involved spending evenings in Gleesons on Booterstown Avenue shouting at whatever rugby match was on TV.
Dec was very loyal to his alma mater and to his many school mates and friends he made thereafter. I will certainly miss his phone calls dragging me to the four corners of Dublin to watch Knock play rugby and other Castleknock events. His spirit will definitely live on and long.MMD.