A councillor fought back the tears as he paid tribute to his friend and respected former Mayor of Kirklees Clr Cahal Burke who has died suddenly aged 48.

Clr Anthony Smith paid an emotional tribute at a full council meeting, describing Clr Burke as the “quintessential public servant” who “took joy in helping others.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Burke had represented Lindley since 2010 and proudly served as Mayor of Kirklees in 2023-24.

Clr Burke, who leaves three daughters Shannon, Sinéad and Annie, died on Monday March 9.

Flags were flown at half mast at Kirklees town halls this week as a mark of respect and St Stephen’s Church in Lindley opened on Wednesday afternoon for remembrance and quiet reflection.

Tributes were paid by Clr Smith and Lib Dem leader Clr John Lawson at Wednesday night’s full Kirklees Council meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Clr Smith, also speaking on behalf of fellow Lindley councillor Ashleigh Robinson, spoke of his shock at the loss of a man who had been a “fixture of our local democracy” for 15 years.

A keen runner, Clr Burke was chairman of Lindley Community Group and was involved in Lindley Running Club and helped organise the annual Lindley 10k and Lindley Christmas Evening.

“Whether he was walking the streets of our ward or chairing meetings, he brought an enormous energy and an infectious enthusiasm to everything he touched,” said Clr Smith.

“Many of us will remember his year as Mayor in 2023-24, a role he performed with great dignity, warmth and a tireless commitment to the people of Kirklees.

“Cahal was the quintessential public servant. He didn’t just represent Lindley; he championed it.

“He was a man of action who took genuine joy in helping others, and his dedication to his constituents was unmatched.

“But beyond the politics and the paperwork, he was a kind, supportive colleague and a loyal friend.”

Clr Burke had been a mentor to Clr Robinson when she was first elected and Clr Smith added: “We all know that being elected as a new councillor can be a daunting role, but Cahal’s enthusiasm, kindness and wisdom enabled her to quickly build confidence and feel fully supported.

“He was a mentor in the truest sense, always ready to share his experience to ensure the best for our community.

“While his loss will be felt across the entire borough, our thoughts today are especially with those he loved most. Our prayers go out to his daughters, and to all his family and many friends.

“It is often said that when someone as vibrant as Cahal is taken from us, it leaves a hole in our hearts that feels impossible to fill.

“But as we look around this chamber, across the Lindley ward, Kirklees and beyond, we see that the space he occupied wasn’t just a void, it was a reservoir of energy, kindness and progress.

“While our hearts may feel heavy today, they are also fuller for having known him. We carry forward his spark, his ‘can-do’ spirit and the positive change he fought so hard to achieve for the people of Lindley and Kirklees.

“Cahal, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy of service and your spirit of community will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.”

A short time before his death, it emerged that Clr Burke had been suspended by the Kirklees Liberal Democrat Group, though no details of any allegations had been revealed.

Lib Dem leader Clr John Lawson, also close to tears, spoke of a personally difficult week and told how he and Clr Burke had been first elected together and watched eachother’s careers develop.

He told of Clr Burke’s passion to serve his community and his great energy and tenacity. He closely supported Clr Burke as Mayor and said how grateful he was that he got the chance to speak about all Clr Burke’s qualities and achievements in front of him, so that he got to hear it.

“It’s not often that we get the chance to say these things to people before they’re taken from us,” said Clr Lawson.

Clr Burke’s daughter Sinéad served as his Mayoress and during his term of office he raised over £18,000 for his two chosen charities Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity and the Huddersfield Branch of the Royal Air Force Association.

Clr Burke held several leading roles in the council chamber and was chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee at the time of his death.

He was a previous chairman of the Children’s Scrutiny Panel and was a member of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Many people in the local community, both in Lindley and beyond, have paid tributes on social media.

Lindley Running Club said it had received so much support from Clr Burke and added: “His passing is a great loss to the Lindley community in so many ways.”

Dave Kendall-Smith, of Udders Orchard Cider Company in Lindley, described Clr Burke as a “fine gentleman, a champion of the Lindley ward and Huddersfield and a great friend.”

Den Doyle, who runs Gladiators Boxing Club in Huddersfield, said Clr Burke had supported the club since it opened.

He added: “Cahal was kind, supportive, attentive and had a genuine desire to help those in his constituency.

“He always took his duties extremely seriously as he cared so deeply for the people in the area – his people – and you could always see he loved the job he was doing. Helping and supporting others was a massive part of who he was.”

Nikki Schofield, of Bar 10 in Lindley, described Clr Burke as an “extraordinary man who was totally dedicated to his family” and work colleagues.

“He has done more for the village of Lindley than anyone I have ever known,” she said. “He put Lindley on the map with his brilliant ideas. Lindley will never be the same without you, Cahal.”

Clr Burke hails from Cordarragh, Kiltimagh in County Mayo, Ireland, and funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

READ MORE: Clr Cahal Burke an ‘outstanding councillor driven to serve’ becomes Mayor of Kirklees