Castlebar mourns passing of former urban and county councillor

THE death has taken place of Sean Bourke, Castlegrove, Castlebar, a former elected member of Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council.

A native of Keelogues, news of his passing has cast a shadow of sadness and sorrow across the county town and further afield.

The deceased, aged 72, served as an elected Fianna Fáil representative in Castlebar from 1985, when he was first elected to Castlebar Urban Council, until 2009, when he stepped down from public life after serving a decade on Mayo County Council.

During his time on the urban council, he held the office of Mayor for a term. 

The Mayo flag is flying at half mast today at Aras an Chontae, the headquarters of Mayo County Council in Castlebar, as a tribute to the deceased.

In a short statement this afternoon, the council extended deepest sympathy to the Bourke family on their loss.

"Sean served on the council with great distinction for a decade and his contribution to Castlebar and its surrounding areas was significant," the statement added.  

Next Monday's statutory meeting of the authority will by adjourned as a mark of respect to him.

The deceased served on LAMA, the national organisation for elected local authority members, for an extended period and he developed many friendships across the country with fellow councillors.

The cathaoirleach of the council, Councillor Blackie Gavin, described the deceased as 'the father of Fianna Fáil in the county town' for many years.

"I served with him after my election to the urban council in 1994 and he taught me so much about  politics and public representation. He was very positive in his outlook and always wanted the best for Castlebar. 

"Sean was our leader and he really came into his own when the rates were being struck, ensuring a fair deal for local business community." 

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, said Sean Bourke was a legendary figure in local politics and never gave less than his best to Castlebar and its development.

"I found him to be a very honourable and hardworking colleague. May his gentle soul rest in peace," he added.

Former councillors Eamon Joyce, Johnny Mee and Paddy McGuinness have also been in contact with The Connaught Telegraph to pay tribute to Sean on his service to the community over a period of 25 years as an elected representative.

He was involved in numerous general election campaigns over the years and, due to the fact he knew so many people and so many people knew him, he was an outstanding canvasser.

Sean worked very closely with Castlebar's Fianna Fàil TDs and ministers during his career in politics, most notably Padraig Flynn, Beverley Flynn and the late Micheàl Ò Morain. 

Few were as knowledgeable of politics than Sean Bourke and he was generous in sharing that knowledge.

During his professional career, Sean served as senior mortician at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, a role to which he brought immense professionalism and a very kind and caring nature. 

The deceased had a lifelong interest in farming and closely followed changing cattle prices.

He is survived by Ann, his daughers Regina and Geraldine, brothers Joe and Brendan, sister Myra, extended family, relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements will be announced tomorrow.