Are you somebody who’s easy to get along with?
I consider myself quite a non-confrontational person. I take pleasure in reaching a mutual agreement, though I would advise you to avoid any contentious topics when I’m either weary or famished. I confess that I’ve uttered a few regrettable statements on an empty stomach and have extended my apologies quite frequently on a well-fed one.
What’s your second name, and what’s your opinion on it?
My second name, Francis, is a tribute to my uncle. An amusing incident to remember is during our Confirmation names selection. I misunderstood the process and believed we were simply to provide our existing second names, which would then become our Confirmation names. Thus, my full name is technically Jarlath Francis Francis Burns.
What location in Ireland do you hold dear?
One place that’s particularly special to me is the top field in the Silverbridge GAA club. This is where I absorbed several important life skills, such as catching a ball, team work, celebrating victories, accepting losses, leadership, followership, service, the feeling of being part of something greater, and the art of being ordinary. I can’t imagine another place that has shaped my life in quite the same way.
Can you define yourself in three words?
I originally had three words in mind and shared them with my wife, but her laughter suggested they perhaps weren’t suitable. I asked her for three words, but her response wasn’t quite fit for inclusion, either. Let’s just say that in our household, this question prompted a bit of a disagreement.
When was the last time you were irate?
I find myself experiencing anger when I come across undue criticism of the GAA. I have always insisted on defending the association against baseless disparagement from those who lack complete information. Much of the GAA’s operation is a complex negotiation due to the many intricate issues we face such as club/county, hurling/football, fixtures, finance, broadcast agreements and so forth. This leaves us open to criticism from those who see faults in our compromises and propose their own solutions, oblivious to the host of new problems they’d cause. However, the profound injustice surrounding the murder of Seán Brown is something that absolutely infuriates me.
Is there something you’ve lost that you wish to recover?”
My father played an integral part in shaping me into the man I am today. Our father-son connection wasn’t expressed through hugs or declarations of love, it was more understated yet profoundly strong. We used to spend quality time working on assorted do-it-yourself projects together; carrying out landscaping work in our garden was a shared hobby. I found great joy in performing simple tasks like driving the wheelbarrow, it felt as if I was operating a truck, heading back to him, eager for the next load.
Sadness overwhelmed me as I saw the tools we used in the garage while arranging for his wake. I didn’t shed many tears, but the sight of our wheelbarrow with the pick and shovel brought out a flood of memories that moved me to tears.
What remains vivid in my childhood memories?
The unmistakable scent of pipe smoke, particularly at the Armagh county matches in the 1970s, comes to mind. Still to this day, even a slight hint of that smell propels me back to days spent sitting on cement seats, sporting paper hats, watching traditional football surrounded by painted walls behind me – not a setting for the faint-hearted.
Where am I in my family’s sequence of births, and how has this shaped my life?
Out of five children, I was the fourth son born to my mother who had always dreamt of having a daughter. My elder brothers claim that I was sidelined while my parents were trying for a fifth child, a girl. Thankfully, my little sister, Helena, came a year after me and I had a typical upbringing trying to make sense of adolescent mysteries amidst the severe realities of growing up during a military conflict.
What are my expectations for my post-mortem?
I envision a funeral held by the Silverbridge GAA club, filled with ceremonious rituals. Our club is known for its meticulous organisation of wakes and funerals, taking care of every small detail, ranging from stewarding the wake to coffin carrying – it brings great comfort to the grieving families. Speedy McCann, our club’s funeral dignitary even labels spots on the road to signify where the pallbearers should change during the funeral procession.
What moment brought you ultimate joy?
An individual once quoted to me that the rapport between grandchildren and grandparents is great, as they have a common adversary. I have finally understood that. Our daughter, Megan, along with her spouse, Dee, have blessed us with an overwhelming amount of joy through our grandchild, Bláithin, far beyond what we could ever merit.
What celebrity would portray you in the film about your life story?
During the initial stages of my teaching career, one pupil pointed out that I bore a resemblance to both Liam Neeson and Tom Selleck, minus the facial hair. I deemed that amusing enough to spare her from detention, up until a fellow educator informed me that she had pulled a similar stunt with him.
Is there anything you deeply regret professionally or personally?
I do not harbour any regrets gnawed by resentment. I would have been ecstatic to win a championship with Silverbridge or secure a victory in the All-Irelands with Armagh but as Charlotte Church remarks, “Not even the deity has the power to revert past events”.
Do any unusual mental idiosyncrasies plague you?
That query could be responded to in a more accurate manner by my wife and family, and kindly refrain from approaching them for an answer.