Remembering Roy

There was a special meaning when Keira Burke from Piltown made her first team debut for Waterford Women’s team against Athlone Town last month – one that will warm the hearts of all Blues fans. Only a small circle of family and friends knew the tribute she was paying to her cousin - the much-loved and missed Roy Butler. Former Waterford United defender Roy passed away in August 2021 at just 23 years of age and Keira’s choice of shirt number is her way of remembering him. 

37 is the number of the Butler family home on O’Reilly Road off the Cork Road. Originally his grandparents’ house, it was where Roy lived and grew up with his parents, Martin and Angela, and brother Aaron. It’s the hub for all the family and extended family and that’s where Roy liked to be. So, when Keira was called up to the Waterford Women’s first team and needed a squad number, she asked for the number 37 shirt in honour of Roy.

 

Roy Butler (28/10/97 - 17/8/21)

 

The phrase we all used about Roy was that he lived the dream. He grew up as a passionate fan of the Blues as well as a very talented footballer so his goal was always to play for his club. Roy won the Under 19 Player of the Year award for 2015 and went on not just to play for the first team, but to captain them in 2016. A wonderful centre back, he gave his all every time he proudly pulled on the blue jersey. 

The family has produced a number of Blues with older brother Aaron a former Under 21 for the club. Then there’s Keira’s cousin, Matt Barrett, who plays with the Under 20s and is in his sixth season with the Blues. Of course, it was another member of the family, Ian Barrett, who coached Keira at Bohemians locally all the way from Under 12s to 19s before she joined Waterford and was a huge influence on her football. And the ones that aren’t playing are watching from the stands with the extended Butler family providing a chunk of the RSC’s attendance each week.

 

Keira with some of the thirteen trophies she won with Bohemians in 2022/23

Keira signed for Waterford in August 2023 - just two days after starring in the Under-17 FAI Cup Final against Killarney Celtic when she set up two goals in Bohemians’ 3-2 win at Turner’s Cross. Earlier that year, she captained Bohs’ Under-16 SFAI Cup winning team, scored the winning goal in the Under-19 Munster Cup Final, and captained the Waterford league representative squad to the national title. 

A Fifth-Year student in Comeragh College (Carrick-on-Suir), it takes huge commitment for Keira to balance football and school, especially now that she is playing for the first team as well as the Under 19s. Having made her debut as a half-time substitute in Athlone, and playing another thirty-five minutes against Peamount United a week later, Burke made her full senior debut in last week’s All-Island Cup tie against Glentoran when she started the game at right back. None of that would be possible without her mother, Caroline, driving to every training session and match, up to five days a week, so Waterford FC owe her a debt of gratitude.  

 

 

Burke’s teammates know best what she brings to the team. Goalkeeper Mollie Levingston, who plays with her for both the Under 19s and the first team, raves about her, saying, “Keira is a hard-working player on the pitch and will always put up a fight no matter who the challenge is against. She’s also a really versatile player as she can play in both defensive or attacking positions. She’s definitely a player to keep your eyes on.”

Keira has already proven with her performances for Waterford’s first team and academy that she is one to watch, but there’s an extra reason now. She plays with a determination and joy that is reminiscent of her cousin and, without any doubt, Roy would be very proud to see her wearing that number 37 jersey on the field at the RSC.