Kenneth Burke steps down as manager of All-Ireland champions St Thomas’

Former St. Thomas manager Kenneth Burke. Pic: Ray Ryan/Sportsfile

Kenneth Burke has stepped down as St Thomas’ manager after four seasons in charge of the Galway club.

St Thomas’ bid for a seventh county title in a row came to an end last month when they were beaten by Cappataggle in the Galway SHC semi-final. 

Burke was Galway minor hurling manager this year as well.

The club emerged as a force in 2012 under John Burke. Six of his sons were on the team that won their first-ever Galway title. John went on to orchestrate their first All-Ireland triumph in 2013. Kenneth was at midfield in the team that defeated Kilcormac-Killoughey.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and went from player to manager in 2021, powering them to All-Ireland glory earlier this year with a stunning triumph over O’Loughlin Gaels.

St Thomas’ won three Galway SHC titles – 2021, 2022 and 2023 – during Burke’s time in charge. As a player or manager, he was involved in eight county titles and two All-Irelands.

Burke led Galway to an All-Ireland minor semi-final last June where they went down in a thriller against eventual champions Tipperary.

It has not yet been confirmed if his brother David will continue with Galway for 2025. 

The 34-year-old pulled off a remarkable comeback from a cruciate injury to help his club to that All-Ireland success, but his Galway season ended in disappointment. 

The four-time All-Star was controversially sent off against Dublin in a defeat that ended their campaign.