his own words "flunked" the exam. Burrows later started his police career after completing his first degree and policed nationally as well as for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and served in a number of roles, including as Area Commander for Foyle and head of the internal discipline branch, until he retired on health grounds in 2021.

As part of his police career, Burrows headed up the team that delivered the policing around the Fleadh Cheoil