In retirement from playing, Burns has become involved in the administrative affairs of the Gaelic Athletic Association. He has served as an underage manager, club chairman and secretary with his local club. At county level, Burns was Armagh's Central Council delegate from 2010 to 2015. His involvement with the GAA at national level began in 2000 when he was appointed as the first players’ representative to Central Council. Since then, he has been involved in Scór, the GAA's medical and welfare committee, the GAA 125 anniversary committee and the pitch presentations committee, and he chaired the standing committee on playing rules.[5]
In a wide-ranging interview on BBC Northern Ireland's Talkback on 17 April 2024, Burns spoke to William Crawley over many issues the GAA faces.[9][10]
In January 2025, after Naas GAA announced Rory Gallagher was to be appointed a coach,[11][12][13] Burns sent an email to Naas GAA expressing concern about Gallagher's appointment, and the offer was withdrawn.[14]
Personal life
Burns, fluent in Irish, is married to Suzanne and they have five children.[5] One of them, Jarly Óg, has played for Armagh,[15][16][17] as has a nephew, Paddy.[18]
^Hannigan, Mary (27 August 2012). "Donegal may be in a league of their own, but no it's not rugby". The Irish Times. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Over on BBC Northern Ireland they were no less befuddled... "Predictions?" asked Austin O'Callaghan. Jarlath [Burns of Armagh]: "Cork." Mickey [Harte of Tyrone]: "Cork." Paddy [Bradley of Derry]: "Cork." [...] Final whistle. "Well?" asked Austin, but his guests didn't really know where – or how – to start.
^"Burns relishing Ulster final chance after 2023 injury absence". BBC. 11 May 2024. The Orchard County have also produced decent midfielders and GAA presidents and current Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, happens to be Paddy's uncle, with cousin Jarly Og also a crucial member of Kieran McGeeney's squad.
