Holiday drowning victim is laid to rest

THE Taoiseach was represented at the funeral yesterday of the Co Limerick college graduate who drowned in a holiday accident in Spain last week.

Basil Burke, 21, from Hospital, was a nephew of Defence Minister Willie O’Dea.

Major General Pat Nash represented the army at the funeral.

Lt Col Matt Murray, officer commanding, Sarsfield Barracks Limerick, represented the Taoiseach.

In his homily, Canon Conor Ryan, PP, Hospital said the community was devastated and number by the traffic death of a very popular local young man.

He said the family had been consoled by the many families who had sympathised with them and who also had lost sons and daughters in tragic circumstances.

He said: “It is frightening the number of parents who have lost sons and daughters. In our world view, young people should not die.

“Unfortunately this is not true. Young people do die and no facile answer will make it less tragic and less hurtful.”

Mr Burke drowned while on holiday with friends.