Tribute to 'true gentleman and Barton legend' following death of former Northamptonshire village councillor
Former Earls Barton Parish Councillor and firefighter, Martin Cahill has died, his family has announced.
Martin Cahill was a prominent figure in local politics, serving on the parish council since 1991, as well as a ward councillor at the Borough Council of Wellingborough before it became Wellingborough Town Council.
He worked for the fire service as a retained firefighter for 35 years, including time as the sub-officer at Earls Barton Fire Station.
A spokesman for Earls Barton Parish Council, on which Martin served for many years, said: “Martin was a no-nonsense man. He didn’t suffer fools gladly and he called a spade a spade. But, underneath the brusque exterior beat a heart of gold.
"He was a friendly and generous man, the type who would give you the shirt off their back. He had a great sense of humour and would get a glint in his eye when he knew he was winding you up.
"He stood down from Earls Barton Parish Council in 2021 and, as a parting gift, was presented with a bench so that he could continue with one of his favourite pastimes; sitting outside the front of his house chatting to anyone who happened to pass by.
“Martin will be sadly missed, by everyone at Earls Barton Parish Council, including everyone who had the pleasure of working with him, past and present councillors and the clerk, to whom he was always supportive.
"He will also be missed by the wider community of Earls Barton, especially for his local knowledge which was invaluable as a parish councillor. He was a true gentleman and we have lost a Barton legend.”
When he retired, Martin volunteered with the British Red Cross and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, alongside a stalwart career in local politics.
Martin was a founder of the Earls Barton Youth Club in the 1970s, being a major part of its eventual move to the building in the Rec in 1979, where the club remains to this day.
In 2013, at the age of 70, Martin Cahill was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the community.