Borrisokane’s link with the late, great Mick Burns

Fond memories recalled by former Tipperary GAA County Board Chairman, Noel Morris

Tipperary’s golden era of hurling in the 1960s was hallmarked on many an occasion by the performances of the late, great Mick Burns, who passed away recently.

Former Tipperary GAA County Board Chairman, North Tipperary GAA Board Chairman and President of Borrisokane GAA club Noel Morris recalls fond memories of a man he knew from childhood and recollects the many exploits of one of Tipperary’s greatest ever hurlers.

“When I first got to meet Mick Burns he would be on a working holiday in Bawnmore, Borrisokane with his uncle, Mick O’Brien. His two brothers Willie and Tony would also come and they spent a happy time working in the bog or saving the hay.

“However, once the evening time came in those days it would have been straight over to Kelly’s Field in the shadow of Driminahane Castle to play hurling until the falling dusk descended upon all the participants. Mick’s uncle had won a North Tipperary junior hurling medal playing with a Bawnmore team in 1933 and many a time we hurled on Kelly’s Field and emulated the heroic feats of past greats. In later years on my way back from inter-county matches I would always remember Mick O’Brien standing at the end of the lane at Bawnmore waiting for the news of how his nephew had fared when lining out in the blue and gold of Tipperary.

“When the great Jimmy Finn was forced to depart the Tipperary set-up after picking up a serious eye injury in a club game with Borris-ileigh, Mick Burns burst onto the scene and went on to make the half back position his own and play a hugely influential role in what was to become a halcyon era for Tipperary hurling.

“There are many detailed and well-scripted accounts of Mick’s exploits on the hurling field with Tipperary winning All-Ireland titles in 1958, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965. Mick also amassed six National Hurling league winners medals and won two Railway Cups in 1961 and ’62 as well as picking up four Oireachtas medals,” Noel recalled.

Mick also was an All-Ireland minor medal winner in 1955 lining out alongside club compatriot Michael Gilmartin while the famed Jimmy Doyle was also part of that side.

CLUB GAMES

Noel also recalls memorable club games involving Mick and recalled two in particular which stood out in his memory.

“I remember well the North senior hurling final of 1957 when Mick played with a Nenagh Eire Og side who defeated Toomevara by 5-5 to 4-5. Playing at centre-back that day for Nenagh Éire Óg was Devere Reynolds and a short time before he passed Devere remembered Mick’s wise words regarding the ability of a player to read the game. Mick said to him: “You can be the best player on the field but if you are not able to read the game you are going nowhere”, Noel recollected.

“Another final which Mick shone in was the 1964 North Tipperary senior hurling final. Mick was captain that day when Nenagh defeated Roscrea by 5-12 to 2-8. I also recall the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny that year when Mick picked up his fourth All-Ireland medal. The great Eddie Keher triumphed the brilliance of Mick that day in his book ‘Eddie Keher’s Hurling Life’.

“Again and again he was beating me to the ball in a contest between us of ball control and skill. I felt so well physically and mentally that I should have been able to beat him, but I just wasn’t. Even though we didn’t win I learned a lot from Mick Burns that day,” the great Kilkenny stalwart penned in his 1978 biography.

By the time Tipperary's golden era had come to a close, Mick was renowned the length and breadth of the country as one of the finest ever defenders to don a blue and gold jersey. He had played in seven All-Ireland senior hurling finals in ten years, winning five with his last All-Ireland appearance coming in the 1968 defeat to Wexford.

“Mick also had the pleasure of visiting London with Tipperary and also traversed the Atlantic to the United States with Tipperary on no less than four occasions. He also played Railway Cup for Munster and lined out alongside the great Christy Ring in what was to be his final appearance for the province in 1962,” Noel added.

LAOCHRA GAEL AWARD

In 2008 Mick received a Laochra Gael award and on the same night some of his old friends, namely Matt Hassett, Liam Devaney and Billy McLoughney also picked up the same accolade. Mick was also selected on the North Tipperary Team of the Century in 2001 alongside his fellow clubman Michael Cleary. Mick was selected at number 5 in a half back line which consisted of Tadgh O’Connor (Roscrea) and Len Gaynor (Kilruane MacDonaghs).

Noel also recalled the last time he spoke with Mick before his passing on February 22 of this year.

“Not long before he passed, I called to see Mick. The glint was still there in his eye and he gave me a smile. He knew the final whistle was about to be blown on a lifetime of achievements but he undoubtedly left behind an indelible mark on anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. A hurling giant, a great friend and a hero to all. To his wife Pauline; sons Michael, Ronan and John; daughters Michelle and Ciara and Mick’s extended family I offer my deepest sympathies. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”