Joe Burns
It was with deep sorrow that the people of Sligo, especially the
republican community, learned of the death of Joe Burns. A native
of Sligo Town it was here that Joe passed away on the 16 July
after a lengthy illness that he bore with great fortitude.
A staunch republican activist, Joe joined Sinn Féin in the early
seventies and played an active role in very facet of the
organisation in Sligo county. From selling An Phoblacht to the
people in his street or being the Director of Elections when Sinn
Féin won two seats on Sligo Corporation, no job was too big or
small for Joe and for many years he served as Chairperson of
Sligo Sinn Féin. Joe was also a longtime prison visitor and both
he and his wife Mary would regularlyl travel to Portlaoise prison
to see `their boys'. Indeed it was a testament to Joe and Mary's
commitment to the republican prisoners that many ex-POWs were
present for Joe's funeral ceremony.
Joe's republican activities did not preclude him rom being
involved in his local community. He was a vocal spokespersons for
the Temple Street/St. Patrick's Tce. Residents association dn was
a member of the Board of Management of the MCR/ST. Bridget's/St.
Joseph's Community Centre. A keen sport fan, he supported Sligo
Rovers all his life, following them all around the country and he
served as chairperson of their Supporters Club for some time.
Joe was brought to his final resting place on Friday, July 18.
His tri-colour draped coffin was accompanied by a guard of honour
consisting of Joe's republican comrades. In his graveside oration
Alderman Sean MacManus, a longtime friend of Joe's, paid tribute
to the role he had played over many years.
``Joe epitomised everything that is best in republicanism, he
loved his country dn most importantly he loved the people of this
island. His actions as ar republican were always guided by his
desire that all Irish people, of all religious and political
backgrounds would come together in a untied country, free of
British interference. He desired peace in our land, not just the
absence of war but a real and just settlement which would bring
equality and self-determination. He was a true friend and comrade
who enriched the lives of those who knew him. He will be deeply
missed here in Sligo and further afield. We have a responsible to
successfully conclude the work to which Joe dedicated os much of
his life.''
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