Martin Scores a Sizzler
Read full biog of tidy who “never stops”
You know sometimes we shouldn’t wait till they go before we praise and appreciate them.
Teddy Martin has served the Clan Na Gael club and the wider Armagh GAA, with distinction as a gifted administrator, for over forty two years.
I spoke with Teddy on his retirement from the committee a couple of years ago.
he said that he was contented to take more of a backseat now as there were, “very capable hands coming through to continue bringing the club forward including his sucessor as secretary Paul OHagan.” (At time of writing this)
Chairman Noel OHagan (at time of writing this) paid a warm tribute to Teddy saying that, “not all legends in the club built that status as footballers alone” and that “when legends of the club would be spoken of in generations to come Teddy Martin’s name would be surely there.”
Teddy pointed out that maybe Noel was too young to remember but that he played a bit to!
The headline of this piece is actually one from the Observer 62 years ago! When a goal from Clan Og minor midfielder Teddy Martin secured a place for the Clan na Gael / Clann Eireann amalgamated team in the county final.
Teddy remembers that he was happy just to come through that game unscathed against a Tones Sarsfields select, as he came in for some very close attention from the two Joe’s Breen and Harbinson! That minor team beat a south Armagh select in the final.
Teddy went on to play senior for the blues. It is however his absolutely unrelenting, tireless, patient and dedicated work over forty years that cements his legend status.
I asked Teddy to tell me what sprung to mind as his highlights in that 42 years. He joked that it was, getting his Covid vaccine this week lol
Then Without hesitation he said, Armagh’s success in 2002 made all the sweeter by the major role played by Clans own Marsden and Ohagan.
When I asked the question I maybe expected Teddy to pick out certain matches or Clans greats, but it was reminder that as well as a blue nose he was concerned with the well being of GAA throughout the town and county.
Teddy picked his second highlight as, the opening of the fantastic new facilities in the club in recent years. He said “even more up to date the fact that the club now has hundreds of coaching and other volunteers in the club is a highlight in itself.”
No doubt Teddy remembers times when volunteers where very hard to come by.
Through thick and thin times in the club Teddy was a dependable brick wall. One of the constants in changing and sometimes turbulent times. His approach always thoughtful,and considered and what he felt, for the best of his club.
With Teddy it seems you can only enjoy the past when you know that the present and the future look secure.
Hopefully Teddy has plenty more years to look around and enjoy the fruits of his labour, there is a part of him in the foundations, the walls and the spirit of the club. It’s typical that when I went looking a photo of Teddy it was hard to get one. He’s the back stage man, no point having great stage players, if there’s no stage, no hall, no one to sell the tickets or make sure there’s refreshments.
Teddy was instrumental in building everything you see when you turn left in Francis street. You aren’t taking a back seat Teddy you are taking a seat in front of the stage hopefully with the way the club is progressing you can enjoy plenty of good shows and plenty more sizzlers.
