The son of Billy Martin, well known Enniskillen man, has described him as “one of the old characters of the town”.

Billy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19 at the age of 81, with his funeral taking place on Friday, February 21.

Brian Martin thanked all those who came out in horrendous weather conditions to say their final farewells to his father and said it was a reflection of how well respected Billy was.

“Given the conditions on the day, it was an absolutely horrendous day, it bucketed on the day but despite that there was a very, very good turnout.

And Enniskillen Gaels held a guard of honour for him and also a carry.

“It reflected him as a person in Enniskillen and how well he was thought of that so many people turned out in those conditions.”

Coming to Fermanagh from Belfast in 1965 as an 18-year-old painter, Brian said his father fell in love with the Enniskillen, meeting his late wife Geraldine at a dance in the Townhall.

“He was 18 years old at the time. He came to paint the outside of Wellworths shop on the Diamond and then he met my mother at the Townhall at the dances at the time. 

“He met my mother there and obviously fell in love with Enniskillen fell in love with her and stayed ever since.”

Moving to a new town as far away from Belfast as you could get in Northern Ireland did not faze Billy who threw himself into the community.

He became a well known figure around the Enniskillen Gaels club, holding the position of treasurer for a number of years. He was also the first ever manager of the Gaels ladies team in the 1990s. 

He was also involved in a local running club, Enniskillen Striders, as well as helping out a number of charities.

“He came to Enniskillen in ‘56 and he immediately loved the town and everything about it and particularly the people. He always tried to get involved in the community and I think that is reflected in the fact he spent so long with Enniskillen Gaels, and was involved in the running club.

“He was also involved in various charities because he was that way inclined, he liked to help people.”

A straight talker, you knew where you stood with Billy.

“There were no back doors with my dad. You knew what you got with Billy Martin that’s for sure.

“If he liked you, you knew he liked you but if he didn’t like you you certainly knew he didn’t like you, there wasn’t that many people who would fall into that category.”

In his later years he took care of Geraldine who suffered from Alzheimer’s.

Brian also thanked those who looked after his father during his illness who were “exceptional” in their care for his father.

Billy, beloved husband of the late Geraldine, is survived by his loving children Gloria, Brian, Colum and Julie and remembered by his extended family, friends and neighbours.