Joeanout-and-outfamilyman andtheywerecentreofhisworld
JOE Bourke, who died on 15 March, 2017, was a County Tipperary man who was Dundalk branch manager of GEC, and settled in Blackrock, where he happily spent his final years.
He was fondly regarded in his job, with his garrulous and easy-going manner. An entire working career with GEC spanned 46 years.
However, Joe enjoyed his retirement, availing of the opportunity to pursue a love of travel, together with wife Noelyne, who is also from his home town of Carrick-on-Suir.
The couple spent a lot of time travelling to visit their family. One son, Brendan is in Sydney, while another, John lives in Bath, and daughter, Deirdre resides in Peterborough.
Joe was an out-and-out family man, Noelyne and the children the centre of his universe.
The free time that retirement provided also allowed him to indulge his love of reading.
He was interested in sport, and being a Tipperary man, hurling naturally was one that he followed having played the game at school. His interests extended to athletics and rugby.
Sadly, Joe contracted a serious illness six years ago, which took a heavy toll on him, but his bravery and personality shone through the ravages of it, and he never uttered a murmur of complaint, and earned the admiration of his wonderful medical carers and family, to whom he was an inspiration.
Born in 1940, he was the second eldest of five children of Tommy and Ann Bourke, comprising four sons and one daughter. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Paddy who served as a priest in Salford in England.
His father Tommy ran an electrical shop in Carrick-on Suir, and growing up Joe helped him when he was involved in the rural electrification scheme, installing the electricity.
Joe attended school in his home town, completing his Leaving Certificate, and took up employment at the age of 19 with GEC.
He joined the firm in 1959 in Dublin, holding a post in Store Street, where he was based for a lengthy period before moving to the branch in Cork, and then transferred to Dunleer.
He returned for a while to Dublin, at which time, and when in Dunleer, he lived in Drogheda.
In 1978 he moved to Dundalk to take over as the branch manager, where he spent the remaining years with the firm.
Joe met Noelyne McGrath while working in the Cork branch and they married in 1969. Ten years later they set up home in Wallace’s Cove, Blackrock, and their children grew up there.
His wife and family could not speak highly enough of the doctors and nurses and carers, and all who dealt with Joe during the times he spent in Our Lady of Lourdes and Louth County Hospital, as well as the palliative care team, during the course of his lengthy illness. He died peacefully in Louth County Hospital.
His passing is deeply regretted by his wife, Noelyne; sons, Brendan (Sydney) and John (Bath); daughter, Deirdre (Peterborough); grandchildren, Conor, Megan, Ronan, Tara, Erin and Niamh; son-in-law, David Sheils; daughters-in-law, Alison Forrester and Claire O’Neill.
He is also survived by his, brothers Donal and Tony, both Carrick-on-Suir; sister, Moira (Callan, County Kilkenny); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Joe reposed at home on Thursday before being brought on Friday morning to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown for Requiem Mass. Father Brian White CC was the celebrant and delivered the eulogy.
Brother, Donal and son-inlaw David Sheils gave the Readings, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by David Kyle, Conor Sheils, Megan Sheils, John O’Sullivan and Geraldine Forrester.
The Offertory gifts were taken to the altar by daughter, Deirdre and daughter-in-law Claire Bourke, while sons, Brendan and John Bourke brought up personal gifts symbolising their father’s life at the start of the Mass.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Month’s Mind Mass is on Sunday, April 30, 2017, at 11am in Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown.