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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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