Barnhall’s Burke hopes to follow in Brennan’s footsteps
Had he been born in a different part of the country, Burke might well now be involved in the GAA rather than plying his trade as a professional rugby player with Leinster.
The 22-year-old has a Dublin accent courtesy of his upbringing near the capital, but he is at pains to point out that his roots are in the west.
His father is from Galway and his mother from Clare but in a family of five, the four boys have all made their mark in rugby with Barnhall, the club which developed the raw talent of Trevor Brennan.
“Undoubtedly, Trevor’s success helped a whole lot of other people in the club, particularly the younger ones. He was our example and our inspiration.
“I know that many years ago nobody would have given second thoughts to young guys coming out of small clubs like Barnhall but that's all changed now.
“My one regret about being involved with Leinster is that I haven't much time to give back to the club, but I do know that my achievements are well appreciated in the area.”
That, however, is his only regret. Burke is, at 22, a qualified electrician and has a career to fall back on if things don’t go right for him in professional rugby - though indications are that he’ll be generating a different type of electricity for the foreseeable future.
After toying with the provincial scene, Burke was snapped up on a full-time contract at the start of this season and he relishes every moment.
“I have had a few starts with Leinster in the Celtic League and I am delighted just to be associated with the squad. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I appreciate just how much it is to play alongside quality players.
“I could pick anyone like Brian O’Driscoll but everyone knows about him already. I have also been influenced by others, people like Shane Horgan, Gordon D’Arcy and Girvan Dempsey.
“When you look at the situation, there is a huge amount of talent in the Leinster squad and I recognise that I have to be patient about things.
“The first choice Leinster backline could hold their own with any opposition anywhere in the world on their day. This is my first full year as a professional. I’m barely 22 and I feel I have a lot to learn but I know that there are a lot of guys around me that I can learn from. That’s what makes the whole experience so exciting.
“You tend to learn new things and new tricks every day. At club level, I feel I might be capable of playing anywhere in the back division but that doesn’t work so well at a higher level.
“I suppose I could play anywhere in the back three for Leinster, at least I hope I could, but there is a huge learning process to go through and I have to look at more experienced players to help me through.”
SALE (v Leinster): J Robinson, M Cueto, C Mayor, G Bond, S Hanley, C Hodgson, B Redpath, A Sheridan, A Titterrell, S Turner, C Jones, D Schofield, J White, S Pinkerton, A Sanderson, capt.
Replacements: M Cairns, K Yates, B Stewart, I Fullarton, M Lund, V Going, R Wigglesworth.
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