Con Martin
Encyclopedia
Cornelius Joseph Martin commonly referred to as Con Martin, is a former Irish footballer. Martin initially played Gaelic football
with Dublin
before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer
career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran
, Leeds United
and Aston Villa
. Martin was also a dual international
and played and captained both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI
. In 1949 he was a member of the FAI XI that defeated England
2–0
at Goodison Park
, becoming the first non-UK
team to beat England at home.
Martin, nicknamed Mr. Versatility,
played in nearly every position during his soccer
career. Although he played mainly as a centre-half, the ball-handling skills he developed playing Gaelic football
also made him a very useful goalkeeper. He actually made his international debut with the FAI XI as a goalkeeper and despite turning down the chance to sign for Manchester United
as a goalkeeper, he later played nearly a whole season in goal for Aston Villa
.
in his youth and was called into the Dublin
senior panel aged just 18. On 9 November 1941 he helped Dublin win the Leinster
title, partnering Joe Fitzgerald of Geraldines in midfield in the final against Carlow
. However at the same time as playing for Dublin, he was also playing soccer for Drumcondra. When this was discovered, the Gaelic Athletic Association
, which maintained a ban on foreign sports, expelled Martin and withheld his winners medal. He eventually received the medal in 1971, after the ban was lifted.
Martin is one of several notable Dublin footballers to have successfully switched codes. Others include Jack Kirwan, Val Harris
and Kevin Moran.
while serving in the Irish Air Corps
and subsequently signed for Drumcondra. It was at Drums that early signs of his versatility emerged. While helping the club win the FAI Cup
, he covered most of the defensive positions and centre-half role. After playing for a League of Ireland XI
against an Irish League XI
in March 1946 he was signed by Glentoran
who then bought him out of the Air Corps. He subsequently made 22 appearances and scored 1 goal for the Glens. It was while playing for the Glens that he made his debut for both FAI XI as a goalkeeper and as a defender for the IFA XI
.
were searching for a goalkeeper, fellow Irish international, Johnny Carey
recommended Martin to Matt Busby
. However he turned down Busby in favour of joining Leeds United
as an outfield player.
He joined Leeds in December 1946 for a fee of £8,000 and under manager Major Frank Buckley he made 47 English League
appearances. He also played a further 2 games in the FA Cup
. At Leeds, Martin played as a left-back, centre-half, left-half and inside-forward. He scored his only goal for the club on 6 December 1947 at Elland Road
in a league game against West Ham United
.
for a fee of £10,000. He was immediately installed in the centre-half position but during his first season played a few games at right-back. He missed only two games during the 1949-50 season and was a permanent fixture in defence for two thirds of the 1950-51 season before injury sidelined him for two months. Martin started the 1951-52 season as a left-back, but after goalkeeper Joe Rutherford
was injured and the club was caught without cover he took over duties between the posts. He made 26 league appearances and 1 FA Cup
appearance as a goalkeeper for Villa before reverting back to the centre-half position. Between 1948 and 1956 Martin made 213 appearances for Villa, 194 in the league and 19 in cup games. Martin scored just once for Villa - a penalty in a 4-1 league win at Charlton Athletic
in April 1950.
In December 1959 he accepted the position of player-manager at Dundalk F.C.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1959/1214/Pg002.html#Ar00204:1D613223616D2ED18431E1A31831321BD16D2C51842E41A3.
- based IFA
and the Republic of Ireland
- based FAI
claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Martin, played for both teams.
in June 1946. After half an hour of the first game on 16 June against Portugal
, with the Irish already trailing 3-0, goalkeeper Ned Courtney was injured and the selectors put Martin in goal. He kept a clean sheet, the Irish eventually losing 3-1. As a result Martin retained his place for the game against Spain
on 23 June. Labelled the Yellow Canary by the Spanish media because of the colour of his jersey, Martin put in an outstanding display and against a Spanish team that included César
, Agustín Gaínza
, Panizo, Gonzalvo III
and Zarra
, he kept another clean sheet. At the other end of the field, a goal by Paddy Sloan
gave the Irish a surprise 1-0 victory. He won his third cap on 30 September 1946 when he was a member of the first ever FAI XI to play against England
. Despite a credible performance, the FAI XI lost 1-0.
His best year in international football came in 1949, when he scored five of his six goals for the FAI XI, including four in three successive internationals. On 12 June he scored a penalty in a 4-1 home defeat to Spain
. Then on 8 September in a qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup
against Finland
, playing a centre-forward, he scored twice. The first was another penalty and second was headed in from a corner. On 21 September, together with Johnny Carey
and Peter Farrell
, he was a member of the FAI XI that defeated England
2–0
at Goodison Park
, becoming the first non-UK
team to beat England at home. Martin scored the opener, once again from the penalty spot, after Peter Desmond
was brought down in the box. He scored his fifth goal, yet another penalty, in a 3-1 defeat to Sweden
in another World Cup qualifier. On 10 May 1950 he captained the FAI XI in a 5-1 defeat to Belgium. He scored his last goal for the FAI XI in a 2-1 win against Norway
in a friendly on 7 November 1954.
between 1946 and 1950. On 27 November 1946 he made his debut for the IFA XI in a 0-0 draw with Scotland
. Together with Johnny Carey
, Peter Farrell
, Bill Gorman
, Tommy Eglington
, Alex Stevenson
and Davy Walsh
, he was one of seven players born in the Irish Free State
to play for the IFA XI that day. The draw helped the team finish as runners-up in the 1947 British Home Championship
. Martin helped the IFA XI gain some more respectable results, including a 2-0 win against Scotland
on October 4, 1947 and a 2-2 draw with England
at Goodison Park
on 5 November 1947.
Martin made his last appearance for the IFA XI in a 0-0 draw with Wales
on 8 March 1950. As well as being part of the 1950 British Home Championship
, the game also doubled up as a qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup
. Martin, together with Davy Walsh
, Reg Ryan
and Tom Aherne
, was one of four players Free State-born players, included in the IFA XI that day and as a result he played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup
tournament. This situation eventually led to intervention by FIFA
and as a result Martin became one of the last four Free State -born players to play for IFA XI.
played for, among others, Manchester United
, Newcastle United
, West Bromwich Albion
and the Republic of Ireland
. Another son, Con Martin Jr.
played for several clubs in the League of Ireland
. His daughter Mary married Gerry Garvan
who also played in the League of Ireland. Martin Sr. later worked as an insurance broker and formed a company, Martin & Garvan Insurances Ltd., with his son-in-law. The Garvan’s son and Martin's grandson, Owen Garvan
, currently plays for Ipswich Town
and the Republic of Ireland U21s.
Dublin
Soccer player
Drumcondra
Ireland
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
before switching codes and embarking on a successful soccer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
career, playing for, among others, Drumcondra, Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
, Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
and Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
. Martin was also a dual international
Dual Irish international footballers
Dual Irish international footballers are a group of Irish international footballers who, between 1908 and March 1950, played for the international teams selected by both the Irish Football Association and the Football Association of Ireland...
and played and captained both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
. In 1949 he was a member of the FAI XI that defeated England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
2–0
England v Ireland (1949)
England v Ireland. On 21 September 1949 at Goodison Park, Liverpool, the home of Everton, England were defeated 2-0 by Ireland in a friendly international...
at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
, becoming the first non-UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
team to beat England at home.
Martin, nicknamed Mr. Versatility,
played in nearly every position during his soccer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
career. Although he played mainly as a centre-half, the ball-handling skills he developed playing Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
also made him a very useful goalkeeper. He actually made his international debut with the FAI XI as a goalkeeper and despite turning down the chance to sign for Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
as a goalkeeper, he later played nearly a whole season in goal for Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
.
Gaelic footballer
Martin played Gaelic footballGaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
in his youth and was called into the Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
senior panel aged just 18. On 9 November 1941 he helped Dublin win the Leinster
Leinster Senior Football Championship
The GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council and are played during the summer months. The competition involves the counties of...
title, partnering Joe Fitzgerald of Geraldines in midfield in the final against Carlow
Carlow GAA
The Carlow County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Carlow GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Carlow and the Carlow inter-county teams.-Gaelic football:...
. However at the same time as playing for Dublin, he was also playing soccer for Drumcondra. When this was discovered, the Gaelic Athletic Association
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
, which maintained a ban on foreign sports, expelled Martin and withheld his winners medal. He eventually received the medal in 1971, after the ban was lifted.
Martin is one of several notable Dublin footballers to have successfully switched codes. Others include Jack Kirwan, Val Harris
Val Harris
Valentine Harris , commonly referred to as Val Harris, was an Irish footballer who played Gaelic football for Dublin and soccer for, among others Shelbourne, Everton and Ireland...
and Kevin Moran.
Early years
Martin was introduced to soccerFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
while serving in the Irish Air Corps
Irish Air Corps
The Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces of Ireland providing support to the Army and Naval Service, together with non-military air services such as search and rescue and the Ministerial Air Transport Service...
and subsequently signed for Drumcondra. It was at Drums that early signs of his versatility emerged. While helping the club win the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
, he covered most of the defensive positions and centre-half role. After playing for a League of Ireland XI
League of Ireland XI
The League of Ireland XI, known as of 2010 as the Airtricity League XI for sponsorship reasons, is the representative select team for the League of Ireland which operates in the Republic of Ireland.The select first played the Scottish League XI in 1938....
against an Irish League XI
Irish League XI
The Irish League representative team was the representative side of the Irish Football League, the national league for football in Northern Ireland and, prior to that, Ireland.-Irish League representative match results:...
in March 1946 he was signed by Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
who then bought him out of the Air Corps. He subsequently made 22 appearances and scored 1 goal for the Glens. It was while playing for the Glens that he made his debut for both FAI XI as a goalkeeper and as a defender for the IFA XI
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
.
Leeds United
In 1946 when Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
were searching for a goalkeeper, fellow Irish international, Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
recommended Martin to Matt Busby
Matt Busby
Sir Alexander Matthew "Matt" Busby, CBE, KCSG was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Manchester United between 1945 and 1969 and again for the second half of the 1970–1971 season...
. However he turned down Busby in favour of joining Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
as an outfield player.
He joined Leeds in December 1946 for a fee of £8,000 and under manager Major Frank Buckley he made 47 English League
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
appearances. He also played a further 2 games in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
. At Leeds, Martin played as a left-back, centre-half, left-half and inside-forward. He scored his only goal for the club on 6 December 1947 at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in a league game against West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
.
Aston Villa
In September 1948 Martin was signed by Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
for a fee of £10,000. He was immediately installed in the centre-half position but during his first season played a few games at right-back. He missed only two games during the 1949-50 season and was a permanent fixture in defence for two thirds of the 1950-51 season before injury sidelined him for two months. Martin started the 1951-52 season as a left-back, but after goalkeeper Joe Rutherford
Joe Rutherford
Joe Rutherford was a footballer for Aston Villa F.C.. He played in 156 league and cup matches as a goalkeeper. He joined Aston Villa in 1939 and he retired in 1951...
was injured and the club was caught without cover he took over duties between the posts. He made 26 league appearances and 1 FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
appearance as a goalkeeper for Villa before reverting back to the centre-half position. Between 1948 and 1956 Martin made 213 appearances for Villa, 194 in the league and 19 in cup games. Martin scored just once for Villa - a penalty in a 4-1 league win at Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
in April 1950.
League of Ireland
In July 1956 Martin left Villa to sign for Waterford United http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1956/0723/Pg003.html#Ar00323:8E58B89388D99278DD95C8F68F78DD9178F6.In December 1959 he accepted the position of player-manager at Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/archive/1959/1214/Pg002.html#Ar00204:1D613223616D2ED18431E1A31831321BD16D2C51842E41A3.
Irish international
When Martin began his international career in 1946 there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
- based IFA
Irish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
- based FAI
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and selected players from the whole island. As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Martin, played for both teams.
FAI XI
Between 1946 and 1956 Martin made 30 appearances and scored 6 goals for the FAI XI. He made his debut during a tour of IberiaIberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...
in June 1946. After half an hour of the first game on 16 June against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
, with the Irish already trailing 3-0, goalkeeper Ned Courtney was injured and the selectors put Martin in goal. He kept a clean sheet, the Irish eventually losing 3-1. As a result Martin retained his place for the game against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
on 23 June. Labelled the Yellow Canary by the Spanish media because of the colour of his jersey, Martin put in an outstanding display and against a Spanish team that included César
César Rodríguez Álvarez
César Rodríguez Álvarez , sometimes known as just César, was a Spanish football forward and manager....
, Agustín Gaínza
Agustín Gaínza
Agustín Gaínza Vicandi was a Spanish/Basque footballer and coach born in Basauri, Vizcaya. Also known as Piru. He played as a left sided winger or forward for Atlético Bilbao and Spain. Between 1940 and 1959 he made 381 La Liga appearances, scoring 120 goals...
, Panizo, Gonzalvo III
Marià Gonzalvo
Mariano Gonzalvo Falcón , also referred to as Gonzalvo III or – especially as of late – by the Catalan rendition of his given name, Marià Gonzalvo, was a Spanish footballer who spent most of his career at FC Barcelona. Gonzalvo was regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in La Liga during...
and Zarra
Telmo Zarraonaindía
Telmo Zarraonandia Montoya , popularly known as Zarra, was a Spanish Basque football player for Athletic Bilbao from 1940 to 1955....
, he kept another clean sheet. At the other end of the field, a goal by Paddy Sloan
Paddy Sloan
Joshua Walter "Paddy" Sloan was an Irish footballer and manager. His widely travelled career took Sloan to twenty different clubs in five different countries, including Northern Ireland, England, Italy, Malta and Australia. As a player, his clubs included Manchester United, Arsenal and Milan...
gave the Irish a surprise 1-0 victory. He won his third cap on 30 September 1946 when he was a member of the first ever FAI XI to play against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
. Despite a credible performance, the FAI XI lost 1-0.
His best year in international football came in 1949, when he scored five of his six goals for the FAI XI, including four in three successive internationals. On 12 June he scored a penalty in a 4-1 home defeat to Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
. Then on 8 September in a qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup qualification
-First round:Syria withdrew, and remaining match was not played.Turkey advanced to the Final Round.-Final round:Austria withdrew, so Turkey qualified automatically. But Turkey later also withdrew, and FIFA offered the place to Portugal, the runner-up of Group 6, but they declined...
against Finland
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
, playing a centre-forward, he scored twice. The first was another penalty and second was headed in from a corner. On 21 September, together with Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
and Peter Farrell
Peter Farrell
Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, he was a member of the FAI XI that defeated England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
2–0
England v Ireland (1949)
England v Ireland. On 21 September 1949 at Goodison Park, Liverpool, the home of Everton, England were defeated 2-0 by Ireland in a friendly international...
at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
, becoming the first non-UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
team to beat England at home. Martin scored the opener, once again from the penalty spot, after Peter Desmond
Peter Desmond
Peter Desmond was an Irish footballer. Desmond played for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English League. As an international, Desmond also played for Ireland....
was brought down in the box. He scored his fifth goal, yet another penalty, in a 3-1 defeat to Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
in another World Cup qualifier. On 10 May 1950 he captained the FAI XI in a 5-1 defeat to Belgium. He scored his last goal for the FAI XI in a 2-1 win against Norway
Norway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...
in a friendly on 7 November 1954.
IFA XI
Martin also made 6 appearances for the IFA XIIreland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
between 1946 and 1950. On 27 November 1946 he made his debut for the IFA XI in a 0-0 draw with Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
. Together with Johnny Carey
Johnny Carey
John Joseph "Johnny" Carey , also known as Jackie Carey, was an Irish footballer and manager. As a player Carey spent most of his career at Manchester United, where he was team captain from 1946 until he retired as a player in 1953...
, Peter Farrell
Peter Farrell
Peter Desmond Farrell was an Irish footballer who played as an a right-half for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. As an international, Farrell also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, Bill Gorman
Bill Gorman
William Charles Gorman , commonly referred to as Bill Gorman, is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Bury and Brentford. Gorman was a dual internationalist who also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, Tommy Eglington
Tommy Eglington
Thomas Joseph Eglington was an Irish footballer who played as an outside-left for, among others, Shamrock Rovers, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. Eglington was also a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI.Eglington’s playing career followed a similar...
, Alex Stevenson
Alex Stevenson
Alexander Ernest Stevenson was an Irish footballer who played for Rangers and Everton, amongst other teams. As an international, Stevenson also played for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
and Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, he was one of seven players born in the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
to play for the IFA XI that day. The draw helped the team finish as runners-up in the 1947 British Home Championship
1947 British Home Championship
The 1947 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1946–47 seasons, the first professional football seasons in Britain since the end of the Second World War...
. Martin helped the IFA XI gain some more respectable results, including a 2-0 win against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
on October 4, 1947 and a 2-2 draw with England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
on 5 November 1947.
Martin made his last appearance for the IFA XI in a 0-0 draw with Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
on 8 March 1950. As well as being part of the 1950 British Home Championship
1950 British Home Championship
1950 British Home Championship was one of the most significant competitions of the British Home Championship football tournament. This year saw the competition doubling up as Group 1 in the qualifying rounds for the 1950 FIFA World Cup. It was the first time that either England, Wales, Scotland or...
, the game also doubled up as a qualifier for the 1950 FIFA World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup
The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth FIFA World Cup. It was the first World Cup since 1938, the planned 1942 and 1946 competitions having been canceled owing to World War II...
. Martin, together with Davy Walsh
Davy Walsh
David Joseph Walsh , commonly referred to as Davy Walsh or Dave Walsh, is a former Irish footballer who played as a centre forward for, among others, Linfield, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Walsh was a dual international and played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI...
, Reg Ryan
Reg Ryan
Reginald Alphonso Ryan , also referred to as Paddy Ryan, is a former Irish footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Coventry City. Ryan was also a dual international, playing for both Ireland teams - the FAI XI and the IFA XI. He was the last player to represent both teams...
and Tom Aherne
Tom Aherne
Thomas Aherne , also referred to as Bud Aherne, is a former Irish footballer and hurler. He played football for Belfast Celtic and Luton Town and was a dual internationalist, playing for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI...
, was one of four players Free State-born players, included in the IFA XI that day and as a result he played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup qualification
-First round:Syria withdrew, and remaining match was not played.Turkey advanced to the Final Round.-Final round:Austria withdrew, so Turkey qualified automatically. But Turkey later also withdrew, and FIFA offered the place to Portugal, the runner-up of Group 6, but they declined...
tournament. This situation eventually led to intervention by FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
and as a result Martin became one of the last four Free State -born players to play for IFA XI.
Family
Martin was the founding member of a notable Irish footballing family. During the 1970s his son Mick MartinMick Martin
Michael Paul "Mick" Martin was an Irish soccer player during the 1970s and 1980s.Born in Dublin, he played for Bohemians, Manchester United, Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion, Vancouver Whitecaps, Cardiff City, Preston North End, Peterborough United, Rotherham United and the Republic of...
played for, among others, Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
, West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
. Another son, Con Martin Jr.
Con Martin Jr.
Con Martin was an Irish soccer player during the 1970s.Martin was a forward who made 34 league appearances for Bohemians from 1973 to 1976. He scored 10 times during these games...
played for several clubs in the League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
. His daughter Mary married Gerry Garvan
Gerry Garvan
Gerry Garvan is a former Irish footballer and coach who played as a midfielder for several clubs, during the 1960s and 1970s, in the League of Ireland, including Drumcondra, Shelbourne and Athlone Town.-Club career:...
who also played in the League of Ireland. Martin Sr. later worked as an insurance broker and formed a company, Martin & Garvan Insurances Ltd., with his son-in-law. The Garvan’s son and Martin's grandson, Owen Garvan
Owen Garvan
Owen Garvan is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Crystal Palace and the Republic of Ireland U21s. He previously played for the Irish schoolboy team Home Farm, before moving to England to join Ipswich Town...
, currently plays for Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
and the Republic of Ireland U21s.
Honours
Gaelic footballerDublin
- Leinster ChampionsLeinster Senior Football ChampionshipThe GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council and are played during the summer months. The competition involves the counties of...
: 1- 1941
Soccer player
Drumcondra
- FAI CupFAI CupThe Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
: 1- 1946
Ireland
- British Home ChampionshipBritish Home ChampionshipThe British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the 1883–84 season until the 1983–84...
- Runners Up 1946-471947 British Home ChampionshipThe 1947 British Home Championship was a football tournament played between the British Home Nations during the 1946–47 seasons, the first professional football seasons in Britain since the end of the Second World War...
: 1
- Runners Up 1946-47