'We will miss you coach': Tributes paid to Derry football coach and father of twins Thomas Burke

The father of two young children was laid to rest in the City Cemetery following a private funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in Creggan this morning (Monday) with his former Trojans FC teammates alongside fellow coaches and club officials forming a poignant guard of honour near the church entrance.

Thomas (29), who was originally from Carrickreagh Gardens, had been involved in football throughout most of his life, representing various clubs including Derry City, Institute, Limavady United and Ballymena United.

He was a ‘leading figure’ at Trojans Football Club where he enjoyed success as a player and most recently coached the club’s Under-5 and Under-6 kids.

In a statement released by Derry City this morning, the club offered its condolences to Thomas’ wife, Bronagh and his children, Adam and Aoife.

"Derry City Football Club wishes to extend deepest sympathy to the family of Thomas Burke who passed away suddenly on Thursday,” read the statement.

“Thomas was well known by everyone in the local football community, including both players and management at the club. Declan Devine spoke for everyone at Derry City this weekend when he said: “We are all devastated at the sudden death of Thomas. He was an incredible human being and one of the most genuine people I have ever worked with.”

“Thomas was a leading figure at Trojans FC but his loss will be sorely felt by the entire football community here. Our sincerest sympathies to Thomas’s wife Bronagh, his children Adam and Aoife and the entire family circle.

“May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

News of his sudden passing had led to an outpouring of tributes from clubs across the Derry & District F.A., Intermediate League clubs and Irish League.

Institute Football Club, where Thomas’ cousin, Cormac Burke is currently a member of the playing staff, also expressed its sympathies to his family.”

This morning our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family as the funeral takes place of the late Thomas Burke,” a statement on the club’s Facebook read.

“Thomas was a well known figure in North West football and is of course a cousin of Cormac Burke from our playing staff.

“Deepest condolences are extended to the entire family circle; remembering in particular Thomas’ wife, Bronagh and his two children Adam and Aoife.”

Limavady United posted the following message on the club’s Twitter account: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with Limavady United are with the family of ex-player Thomas Burke who sadly gets buried today.”

Trojans FC held a minute’s applause from a safe social distance for the much loved coach on Friday evening at Bishops Field and posted an emotional video on Facebook with messages from underage members of the club reflecting on how much they will miss the popular coach.

A Former St Peter’s High School student, Thomas was a member of Trojans from 1998 and was part of Kevin Deery’s Intermediate League treble winning team of 2014/15. The club posted the following message on their Facebook page;

“When a young Thomas came along to the Trojans training over at the Bishop Field, little did we know just how good he was. Be it training or playing he gave his all for our very traditional royal blue shirt, he loved it and you know it showed in his play.

“Thomas played D&D football and then went on to play for the club’s Intermediate League side and was part of the treble winning team of 2014/15 under the management of Kevin Deery. In more recent times he was seen taking our U5 and U6 players at training.

“Needless to say he was loved by all the children and their parents. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

“To his wife Bronagh, children Adam and Aoife, his parents Linda and Thomas, sister Rachel and the wider Burke and Deehan family circles, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. We’ll miss you Thomas."

Thomas’ funeral service was held in private with only close family members in attendance, however, it was streamed online via the church webcam.

In his homily, Rev. Daniel McFaul described Thomas as a ‘community man’, and a ‘gentleman’ whose faith was ‘lived out in his goodness to everyone he met’.

“Thomas was a community man, gentle and kind to all the neighbours and friends. Always on the ball in going a good turn and reaching out to those in need.

“He lived every breath for his mother, father, sister, wife and children. A beautiful person, fun-loving, he loved life and lived it to the full.

“He lived for Adam and Aoife and loved nothing more than playing with them. He was an incredible daddy.”

Joining a host of other names within the Derry football fraternity, his friend Declan Divin, a coach at Creggan Swifts FC, also paid tribute on social media. He wrote: “RIP Thomas. Had the pleasure of knowing you a long time. [sic].

"Everyone involved with Creggan, players and management, would like to pass on condolences to his wife and children and whole Burke family circle. [sic].

"Thomas loved life. He was always positive and enjoyed stopping for a chat. He loved football, but more importantly he was a family man. Hard to believe you’re gone buddy, rest easy.”

Larne and former Derry City striker, David McDaid wrote: “We signed for Derry at 16 both with the same dream to play for our hometown club. Many of years we spent together u will be missed my friend. RIP burke [sic].”