Micheál Martin: From sporting goals to political targets

From a family background steeped in sport, rather than politics, Micheál Martin’s upbringing provided him with the qualities to endure 30 years at the frontline of public life, writes Special Correspondent Michael Clifford.

Micheál Martin in a group photograph also has Micheál’s twin brother, Paudie, 2nd. from the right - Coláiste Chríost Rí school holiday in Corca Dhuibhne on the Dingle Peninsula in 1974. Picture Kevin Cummins

They all knew the Champ. When Micheal Martin set off down the long road of electoral politics he was armed with all his policies, all that he thought constituents could throw at him on the doorstep. 

Yet many of the people that he encountered just wanted to talk about his father, the Champ.