The gentle giant

Pat Burke has played with the greats of US pro basketball, but even more impressive than his career is what he has gleaned from his experience

Pat Burke of Asseco Prokom competes with Jonas Maciulis of Zalgiris during a Euroleague basketball game Picture: Getty

Okay, okay, so Offaly to Orlando is pushing it a little, even if it’s technically correct. Former basketball pro Pat Burke, the only Irish-born player to make the NBA, never grew up wanting to be Seamus Darby and there was no trading of hurl for hoops along the way. But there were always the little moments that created enough of a connection with home, despite his leaving for Cleveland, Ohio at the age ...