Wife of Celtic legend dies after falling ill on flight from Tenerife

Rosemary Burns, wife of Tommy Burns, watches his Tribute match at Celtic Park, Glasgow
-Credit: (Image: PA Images)


The wife of Celtic icon Tommy Burns tragically passed away on a flight from Tenerife, which was forced to make an emergency landing at Cork Airport. Rosemary Burns, aged 69, reportedly fell ill on a Jet2 flight bound for Glasgow.

The flight, LS176, had left Tenerife at 10.16pm on Tuesday and was en route to Glasgow International Airport when an on-board incident was declared early Wednesday morning. The plane was just off the south coast of Ireland when the medical emergency was announced, leading to the diversion of the Jet2 flight to Cork Airport.

According to the Daily Record, Rosemary had been feeling unwell during her holiday in the Canaries and decided to take an earlier flight home. They reported: "Rosemary became unwell while on holiday in Tenerife. She became ill and felt that she had to get home."

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"She decided to end her trip and fly back to Scotland. She got on the plane and became unwell. The flight was supposed to land in Glasgow but it ended up being diverted to Cork."

Jet2 confirmed that flight LS176 was rerouted to Cork after a passenger fell ill on board in the early hours of Wednesday, reports the Irish Mirror.

Celtic FC paid their respects to Rosemary in a post shared on their social media platforms. "Everyone at Celtic Football Club is devastated to hear of the passing of Rosemary Burns, wife of Celtic legend Tommy Burns," the club stated.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club, and the entire Celtic Family are with Emma, Jenna, Michael and Jonathan at this desperately sad time."

Rosemary and Tommy first crossed paths at a youthful 17 at a Glasgow disco. They tied the knot in 1980 and were blessed with four children.

Their union lasted for 28 years until Tommy's passing in 2008.

Tommy dedicated 14 years on the pitch for Celtic, clinching six league titles, five Scottish Cups, and a League Cup medal.

He took the helm at Celtic Park as manager in 1994, leading the team to Scottish Cup glory in 1995 marking the club's first silverware in six seasons.

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