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Versatile Irishman who was capped for both the Republic (30 times)
and Northern Ireland (6 times) and although he was nominally a centre
half played in just about every outfield position and even played in
goal for both Villa and the Republic. He had enjoyed some success in
Ireland with Drumcondra and Glentoran before signing for Leeds after
the war, but with Leeds in disarray both on and off the field, he soon
moved on to enjoy a productive spell at Villa Park.
Peter Moore says: I well remember Con Martin, when he came to Leeds
he coached our school soccer team, Beeston St Anthony's, that was in
the mid to late 1940s, I being the goalkeeper was amazed at the power
that he struck the ball at me at our first practice, but was pleased
to have got everything behind it and held on, much to my and I may say
his also, happy days.
Pat Wallace says: Con was my idol. First saw him play for Villa in
March 1949. Never played at left half to my recollection - alway
centre half with a short spell in goal round 51/52. His son played for
Man U,WBA and Ireland in the 70,s.
Stephen and Bridget Murphy Patten say: My wife's uncle was
nicknamed con after con martin. he too was a strong, versitle
footballer at local level in Achill in the west of Ireland in the
1950s. We both have enjoyed looking at your web site.
John Kelly says: met Con on a golfing trip to Galway some years
ago. What a character ! Among the stories he told the following is
particularly amusing. Con played and scored one of the goals when
Ireland became the first team to beat England on English soil. The
match was played in Liverpool in 1949. As Con was playing his club
football for Aston Villa at the time he got a lift back to Birmingham
on the English team bus. It would'nt happen today.
Molly Davis says: I saw Con Martin play for Aston Villa when I was
a child. Dad was a real Villa fan and he idolised Con Martin. We
used to travel to and from the ground by train from Walsall and Dad
and his friends used to discuss every move that had been made during
the match.
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