Widow of Celtic icon Tommy Burns dies on Jet2 flight home from Tenerife holiday

The widow of the Celtic football legend Tommy Burns has died after falling ill on a flight from Tenerife to Glasgow.  

At the age of 69, Rosemary Burns fell severely ill whilst aboard the Jet2 aircraft last Wednesday, July 3, prompting an urgent landing in Cork after the crew declared a medical emergency onboard.

Sources close to the family said that Rosemary's health took a turn for the worse during her vacation on the Canary Islands, leading her to opt for an early return.

A family friend said: "Rosemary became unwell while on holiday in Tenerife  She became ill and felt that she had to get home."

The friend told Glasgow Live: "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 has verified that flight LS176 was indeed redirected to Cork, Ireland when one of its passengers fell ill during the early hours of Wednesday.

Heartfelt messages and tribute flowed from football enthusiasts, saying their farewells to Rosemary and sending heartfelt words to the bereaved Burns family.

A heartbroken fan penned, "Extremely sad news to hear Rosemary Burns has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the Burns family and their friends. Now at peace with Tommy."

Yet another expressed their sorrow: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we extend our sincere condolences to the Burns family on the passing of Rosemary. The beloved wife of legend Tommy Burns. She was a remarkable woman whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many Celtic fans."

A third person paid their respects, saying: "There will be a warm welcome waiting in heaven for you Rosemary. May you fly high with the angels in heaven."

Rosemary and Tommy first locked eyes at the tender age of 17 at a disco in Glasgow, tying the knot in 1980 and raising four children in their loving family.

The pair shared a life together for 28 years until Tommy's untimely passing in 2008. Tommy dedicated his life to Celtic, taking on roles as player, manager, coach, and Head of Youth, before succumbing to skin cancer at just 51.

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In an emotional tribute after his passing, Rosemary spoke to the Record, revealing: "Celtic was everything to Thomas. There were three Fs in his life - faith, football and family. He lived the dream. He never took anything for granted.

"Celtic was what he loved. He was never out of the club. Angie the washing lady used to say to him 'are you still here?' Because she couldn't get away until he left and he was still wearing his training gear and she couldn't leave until it was washed.

"She went off her head with him and told him: 'Have you no' got a home to go to? '. For him, his greatest memories were the 1988 double. It was historic to do that in the club's centenary year.

"Then, when he won the cup as a manager, that was fantastic and he had a lot of success at Kilmarnock too which was great for us."

A Jet2 spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight LS176 from Tenerife to Glasgow diverted to Cork in the early hours of this morning due to a customer requiring medical assistance. The aircraft subsequently departed for Glasgow Airport."

Celtic Football Club has been approached for comment.