MICHAEL BURKE, the founder and managing director of the successful Stira attic stairs business in Galway, passed away this week while on holiday in Portugal.

Mr Burke (58) founded the business, which manufactures folding stairs for accessing attics, in the early 1980s after repairing a faulty imported model and realising that he could improve on the design.

In 1990 the company made a major breakthrough in the domestic market when it featured on an edition of the Late Late Showthat showcased new and up-and-coming Irish businesses.

From that point it expanded quickly in the Irish market and later in the decade began to sell its products in British and US markets. The company has continued to modify its designs, often responding to feedback from customers and the tradesmen who installed its products.

Mr Burke’s son Michael jnr and daughter Kate are involved in the business and are members of the company’s board.

The Stira group is based in Dunmore, Co Galway, and employs 40 people. Its fitting service employs a number of specialised fitters around the country. The company was in the news last year when it successfully sued a British business for copying its designs.

Mr Burke’s remains were returned to the country last night, and his removal funeral will take place this weekend in Dunmore.