Cork AUL chairman Martin Conlon has given a lifetime of service to soccer in many roles

Martin Conlon, who is currently chairman of the Cork AUL has spent most of his adult live serving Cork soccer after holding nearly every role at committee level. 

However, next year will be a huge milestone for the likeable Conlon, as he will be celebrating 30 years on the Cork AUL committee, and he has enjoyed every moment of it.

Over the years Martin could be seen at various matches every weekend in all sorts of weather promoting Cork football and giving out match awards.

Martin started playing soccer with Togher Rovers with he was 13 years old, before moving on to play for Ballyphehane, Dunbar Celtic and Fairview. 

He then finished playing in 1997 and was elected to the Cork AUL committee.

“I started playing soccer when I was 13 years old when I joined Togher Rovers and stayed with them until I was out of youths football,” Martin said.

“I then signed with Ballyphehane for a season before moving to Dunbar Celtic, where I stayed until 1982. 

"Then I moved to Fairview until I was approached by Vincent Cummins to join the AUL committee in 1997."

Martin joined the AUL committee when he was elected in 1997 and has served in many roles over that period. 

He is currently the AUL chairman, however, he was secretary for 20 years and also filled almost every position at committee level, which shows the dedication and love that Conlon has for Cork football.

“I was elected on to the AUL Committee in June 1997 and next season will mark my 30th year on the committee. 

"That will also coincide with my final year as chairman, which is an honour, and a position I am very proud to have held.

“My first year was just a watching brief and the second year I was asked to take on the duties of secretary, a position I held for 20 years.

"I held many roles in the committee and am currently chairman.

"I also held the vice-chairman role, was secretary, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, disciplinary secretary, Registrar and assistant to the fixture secretary, so many different roles over the years. 

"It would probably be easier to list the ones I have not held. 

"I’ve also represented the Cork AUL on the MFA counsel and represented the MFA on the FAI General Assembly up until last year.

“Some of the biggest achievements while being on the AUL committee was carrying on the work of the previous people, who led this great league and hopefully, I have achieved this.

“Some of the biggest changes I have seen in my time with the AUL has been the amount of clubs that has gone on to play at a higher grade at intermediate level. 

"Also, the almalgamation of the youth grades of the Cork AUL and the Munster Senior League into a new league under the Cork Youths League banner.

“Some of my proudest moments as an AUL committee member would have to been the three of these achievements. 

"The league winning the Oscar Traynor cup in 2009, being elected chairman of the Cork AUL, and seeing the Munster Junior Cup coming back to Cork when Coachford won it last year in Munster FA Turner's Cross Stadium.

“I'd like to thank the members, both past and present, for the incredible help over the years during my time on the committee. 

"There would be three people that would come to mind.

"The late Tony Fitzgerald, John O’Sullivan, as well as Ger Delaney. 

"Also, all the current members of the committee, who keep me on my toes at all times. 

"I could not do what we do with all their help and assistance and especially the help from all the clubs."

The future of AUL football in Cork is in great hands with Martin and his very hard-working committee and all the clubs are looking to improve their playing facilities every year. 

"In fairness, there are now some fantastic facilities in soccer around Cork City and county, with clubs investing in all-weather pitches and upgraded dressing rooms for their teams.

“We are currently speaking to Castleview about two all-weather pitches at their ground in Churchfield, and when they come on stream, I would hope that they will act as a catalyst for clubs to come and join the Cork AUL.

“On a personal note, I would like to see the junior clubs in the Cork AUL and the MSL coming together in the same way that this happened in 2005 at youth level, so that a Cork team can have a good go at bringing the FAI Junior Cup to Leeside,” Conlon added.