Thomas Bourke, 4th Baron Bourke of Connell

Who is Thomas Bourke, 4th Baron Bourke of Connell?

Thomas Bourke, 4th Baron Bourke of Castleconnell, held his title for only a matter of hours on February 28, 1599. He was the son of Theobald Bourke, a principal commander against Lord Desmond, and his wife Mary, daughter of Donough O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, and grandson of Sir William Bourke. Thomas had been preceded as Baron Bourke of Castleconnell by his two elder brothers, John and Richard.

At his death, Thomas left a daughter, Christina, and an infant son, Edmund Bourke, 5th Lord Bourke of Castleconnell. During his youth, Theobald, younger brother of Thomas, usurped the title of Baron Bourke of Castleconnell, claiming that Edmund was illegitimate. Theobald was later created Baron of Brittas in 1618, and Edmund, having established his legitimacy, continued the line of the Barons of Castleconnell.