MICK Burke, one of the most familiar faces in and a hugely popular member of the racing and transport sectors, died on Sunday, September 22nd at University Hospital Limerick. Late of Tramore and Richmond Stud, Patrickswell, his life was spent working with horses and, as described by his son Johnny, “what a full life it was”.

He served an apprenticeship with Vincent O’Brien in the 1940s, starting at the age of 15. He had stints on the Curragh with Mick Collins and Paddy ‘Darkie’ Prendergast, followed by a spell with Jack Yates in England. A variety of employment included, amongst others, a short stint in the army, working with Chipperfields Circus and acting as whipper-in for the Bray Harriers, but he always returned to what he loved most.