Flying High

Eoin Burke may have passed away in December 2016, but he is still watching over the Blues at every game, with his boys hanging their flag proudly all around the country.

‘Burkey’ was well-known as a tireless volunteer for De La Salle football club and was a huge influence on so many young players through his work in the schoolboys section. He was a very popular Blues fan too who stuck with them through thick and thin. I asked Eoin’s eldest son Craig about the origins of their flag.

“Funnily enough, our Dad’s flag came from the imagination of his best friend Derek Madigan and his sons Lee and Alex. Dad and ourselves always went to Blues games with them.” The banner, made in Nurney, County Carlow by Flagman Ireland, made its first appearance almost eight years ago as a surprise from the Madigans for the Burke family.

 

(Derek Madigan, left, and Eoin bringing their kids to a game)

“On the 3^rd of March 2017, there was a minute’s applause before kickoff of our first home league game against Cabinteely to mark Dad’s recent passing. Little did we know that this flag would be unveiled by the three lads during it. It was a fitting way for Derek to remember his best pal. They grew up together, following the Blues from Kilcohan Park to the RSC and beyond since their teenage years. And, of course, it’s a great way for us to remember our Dad.”

“The symbols represent Dad’s passion for the Blues with ‘Keep the Faith’ a gentle nod to his loyal commitment to being a season ticket holder through the hard times (there were many) and the good. He’d certainly love the progress the Blues have made over recent years.”

 

(Shane, left, and Craig pictured hanging the flag by Gerry Shanahan)

“We enter into our ninth season with the flag now. It has been to all but three League of Ireland grounds between the Premier and First Division so far! One of the best things about this part of our match day routine is it has started many a conversation between friends of Dad and fellow Blues fans over the years who have shared memories that they have had with him. We can’t ignore either the many times Blues fans have either captured a photo of us with the flag on match day or contributed something similar to this group over the years. We’ll always be very grateful for this. We are too camera shy to do it ourselves, believe it or not!” 

Eoin would be very proud to see his sons keeping the club at the heart of their family. “Following the Blues was a huge part of Dad’s life and we know nothing different but to do the same - win, lose or draw!” 

Thanks to Craig for speaking on behalf of Shane, Paudie and the whole Burke family.

 

(Eoin photographed at the RSC by Paul Elliott)