Christopher Burke

Christopher Patrick Burke (4 August 1898 – 23 June 1964

Early life Burke was born on 4 August 1898 on Coola Street, Drogheda, County Louth,

After his capture by the Free State forces, Burke was imprisoned in Maryborough Gaol in Portlaoise, County Laois, where he went on a hunger strike lasting twenty-three days. As a protest against the conditions in the prison, the inmates set fire to the building and for six months following this incident had to sleep in the open. A while later, Burke was transferred along with his fellow prisoners to the Curragh Camp, known to its inmates as "Tin-town", until the general release.

After this, Christopher Burke went into the dairy business with his brother, Joseph Burke, and built a house on the family farm in Bryanstown, County Meath. He died from coronary occlusion at the age of 65 in his home on 23 June 1964. His sister, Christina Mary "Tena" Burke was present at his death.

Christopher Burke's requiem mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Drogheda. His republican comrades attended the funeral, and the Mayor of Drogheda and members of the Drogheda Corporation walked wearing their robes of office in the cortege.