Theobald was the son of Walter mac Thomas de Búrca (Walter Bourke), 3rd Mac William Iochtar (d.1440). In 1473, he succeeded his cousin, Ricard Ó Cuairsge Bourke, 7th Mac William Íochtar (d. 1479) as chieftain. Theobald was succeeded by his brother, Ricard Bourke, 9th Mac William Íochtar (d.1509).[2]
M1480.14. A spirited engagement took place between the sons of Edmond Burke and the sons of Richard Burke, in which the sons of Edmond were routed; and the son of Mac Dowell Mac Dugald of Scotland, i.e. Colla, was slain by one cast of a dart, and many others were slain along with him.
M1486.15. An army was mustered by O'Donnell, and marched into Tirawley. The Lower Mac William went to oppose him; and a battle was fought between them, in which upwards of one hundred of Mac William's people were slain, and John Mac Jordan, Ulick, the son of Richard, son of Thomas Burke, with many others, were taken prisoners.
M1487.26. Edmond, the son of Richard Burke, was treacherously taken prisoner by the Barretts, but was afterwards triumphantly rescued by his kinsmen.
M1488.28. A peace was concluded between O'Donnell and Mac William Burke, O'Conor and Mac Dermot being as sureties and guarantees between them.[3]