Holders Foyle Harps to face Ballymac Celtic in Thomas Burke Perpetual Cup opener
Legacy of much-loved father and coach lives on through prestigious May tournament
PICTURED ABOVE: Group pictured at the launch of the “Burkey Cup” which will be held in Trojans FC Club pitch, with the first game on Wednesday May 6. From left, are Raymond Carton, chairman, Trojans FC, Liam Shiels, Eamon McKeever (Crusty Bap) sponsor, Linda and Tomas Burke (parents), Aoife and Adam (children), Kitty Wright, club hon. President, Gavin Doherty and John Porter, representing Foyle Harps (last year’s winners). (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
The Thomas Burke Perpetual Cup (Burkey Cup) is set to return to Derry this May, continuing the local tradition held in memory of the former Trojans player and coach who passed away in 2020.
In a repeat of last year’s final, the luck of the draw has pitted holders Foyle Harps against beaten finalists Ballymac Celtic in a massive opening quarter-final clash. The draw, which took place on Monday, March 16, at Oakland Park, was conducted by members of the Burke family and broadcast live to supporters on social media.
The action kicks off on Wednesday, May 6, with all matches taking place at Oakland Park. The tournament will culminate in a grand final provisionally scheduled for Saturday, May 30.
The draw for the Burkey Cup is as follows:- Ballymac Celtic v Foyle Harps, Trojans v Northcoast Utd, Creggan Swifts v Maiden City, and Rosemount v Phoenix Athletic.
An established fixture in the local football calendar, this year's competition is sponsored by Vaporlinq and Impact-NI, complete accident management.
Prize money will total £2,000, broken down as follows: Winners £1,000, beaten finalists £500 and beaten semi-finalists, £250 each. It is hoped that other sponsors will come on board to help cover the overall costs of running the tournament. These will be announced shortly.
The competition is played in memory of Thomas Burke who sadly passed away suddenly on April 23, 2020 at the age of just 29.
Thomas was a former player with Trojans and around the time of his passing he was also coaching the club's youngest age group of 5 and 6 year olds who absolutely adored him.
Above all, Thomas was a much loved father to his twins, Adam and Aoife, husband to wife, Bronagh and beloved son to his parents Thomas and Linda and dear brother to his sister Rachel.
His memory lives on through this tournament and the organisers have had to disappoint a few clubs who wanted to enter but priority was given to those teams who took part last year.