Irish hero Martin passes away

Former Republic of Ireland international Con Martin, best known for scoring in the famous victory over England in 1949, has died.

He was 89.

The Dubliner played for Drumcondra, Glentoran, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Waterford. He also played for both the Ireland teams under the FAI and IFA administration, winning 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland and six for Northern Ireland.

Although best known as a centre-half, he made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland as a goalkeeper and played close to a complete season in goal for Aston Villa.

Martin’s finest moment in an Irish shirt came in 1949 when his penalty helped Ireland to a shock 2-0 won over England.

It was England’s first home defeat to a non-UK side.

Paying tribute to Martin, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “He was a great man who had a fantastic career in the game. He was a real gentleman. I pass on my sympathies to his family.”

FAI President Paddy McCaul said: “Con Martin will go down in history as one of Irish football’s great players and his family continued that tradition with his sons playing the game to a very high level. He will be sadly missed.”

Martin’s son Mick went on to become a senior international footballer while his grandson Owen Garvan has been capped at Under-21 level for Ireland.

He is survived by wife Vera, sons Mick, Con Junior, Edward and Phillip and daughters Mary, Elizabeth and Susan and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.