Cork star reveals deal he has with Taoiseach father
Cork begin their All-Ireland campaign with a trip to Páirc Tailteann to face Meath on Saturday. The Rebels find themselves in group 4, with a Munster semi-final rematch against Kerry and a game against Roscommon their other two fixtures.
Cork goalkeeper, Micheál Aodh Martin, reflected on that semi-final clash with Kerry. Martin acknowledged they fell short, but didn’t see their chance to beat Kerry gone, and instead he and his teammates simply moved on and prepared for the All-Ireland series.
The Cork star also gave an insight into the relationship with his father, the Taoiseach, where they have a particular agreement with each other.
Martin said: “We probably have a mutual thing there. I won’t scrutinise his performance if he doesn’t scrutinise mine! We’ve probably both learned over the years that it doesn’t work otherwise.”
His father is a regular attendee to not only his son’s games with Cork, but also his club Nemo Rangers, where he has won two Munster Championships. The Taoiseach also attends the Cork goalkeeper’s brother’s games with the junior team.
The Nemo Rangers man also gave his father a hard time, when his club’s county football final was postponed at short notice in 2020 due to covid restrictions.
He said: “In fairness, over the last couple of years the WhatsApp has gotten a bit quieter and I don’t give him as much stick,
“But I’d say he’s probably enjoying this year more. I think anyone in his generation cannot understand the handpass. You’d be trying to explain. He kind of gave up on that one a few years ago and doesn’t scrutinise it too much.”
The 31-year-old Cork star, who works for the PwC, was also asked whether he’d consider a career change and join his father in the world of politics.
Martin said: “I just have an interest in him and the issues locally. But I’m definitely happy for now in the day job.”
He added: “Really, I have an ambition with Cork. I really want Cork football to keep improving. That’s my driver at the moment. I’d love to get back into big games.”
The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10
Sports Joe
