Con Martin

Early years

Martin was introduced to soccer 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.

Leeds United

In 1946 when Manchester United 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 two 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.

Aston Villa

In September 1948 Martin was signed by Aston Villa 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…

Martin was the founding member of a notable Irish footballing family. During the 1970s his son Mick Martin 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 Garvans' son and Martin's grandson, Owen Garvan, formerly played for Crystal Palace and has played with the Republic of Ireland U21s. as well as the Republic of Ireland B team in a game against Nottingham Forest

Gaelic footballer Dublin

Leinster Champions: 1941 Soccer player Drumcondra

FAI Cup: 1946 Ireland

British Home Championship runners up: 1946–47