Tributes paid to Celtic legend Tommy Burns's wife who died at Cork ...

TRIBUTES are being paid to the wife of the late Celtic legend Tommy Burns after she died at Cork airport on Tuesday night.

Rosemary Burns, 69, was on holiday in Tenerife when she became unwell and took an early flight home to Glasgow.

However, she became ill on board flight LS176 which departed Tenerife shortly after 10pm on Tuesday night. 

Cabin crew sent out a code 7700 Squawk declaring an emergency onboard.

As a result, the plane made an unscheduled landing at Cork Airport as it was flying along the Irish southern coastline.

Jet2 confirmed the flight was diverted to Cork after a passenger became ill on board in the early hours of Wednesday July 3.

In a statement on social media, Celtic FC said: "Everyone at Celtic Football Club is devastated to hear of the passing of Rosemary Burns, wife of Celtic legend Tommy Burns.

"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."

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell said: "This is absolutely devastating news. Everyone knew Rosemary as a devoted wife to Tommy, and also a loving mum and grandmother, and all our thoughts and prayers are with Emma, Jenna, Michael and Jonathan, her grandchildren and also with Rosemary’s wider family and many friends who will all be heartbroken at this awful time.”

Kilmarnock FC has also joined Celtic in sharing a tribute to Rosemary on social media, giving their condolences to her family on X.

They said: "Kilmarnock Football Club is saddened to learn that Rosemary Burns has passed away.

"Rosemary was at our End of Season Dinner Awards in May to induct her husband Tommy into the Kilmarnock FC Hall of Fame.

"Our thoughts are with Rosemary’s family and friends at this time."

Rosemary and Tommy were married in 1980 until Tommy’s untimely passing from cancer in 2008. 

The couple had four children together. 

Tommy Burns played for Celtic from 1975 to 1989 and won six Scottish league championships, five Scottish Cups, and the Scottish League Cup once.

He was also a Scotland international, winning eight caps between 1981 and 1988.

He finished playing with Kilmarnock, where he also began his managerial career.

He returned to Celtic as manager in 1994, and won the Scottish Cup in 1995 – the first trophy the club had won in six years.