Martin Connolly, One Cork worldwide member awarded Cork person of the year in San Francisco

We are delighted to announce that one of our One Cork Worldwide members, Martin Connolly, is being recognized in his local community in San Francisco. On December 10th , Martin will be honored for his many contributions to a host of organizations and events during his time in San Francisco by his fellow members in the Rebel Cork Benevolent Association and will have the title of Cork man of the Year bestowed upon him.

Martin, the youngest of 5 children from Drinagh in Co. Cork, has been a player, fan and supporter of Cork football all his life. Martin’s interest and dedication to football was rewarded with the opportunity to play at the highest levels. He played with his local club Clann na nGael (Drimoleague and Drinagh) and enjoyed success at all levels including a much-coveted West Cork Junior A Football Championship in 1981. Martin was the captain of the Cork Minor Football team in 1979 that went down to Kerry in a replay in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Martin continued his inter-county career on the U-21 team winning Munster titles in 1981, 1982 and capturing the All-Ireland title in 1981. Martin earned a call up to the senior panel in 1983. Martin emigrated to the US in 1984 and his first stop was New York City. A fortunate one it was as it was here in Gaelic Park that he met his wife Mary. Martin was a member of the Donegal team that won the senior football championships in 1985 and 1986. They moved to San Francisco in 1989 where they were members of the St. Gabriel’s parish and were married in 1990. They currently live in St. Stephen’s parish. They are the proud parents of Tim and Daniel. Martin continued his football career in San Francisco winning Junior, Intermediate and Senior North American titles with the Michael Cusack’s club.

Martin now directs his competitive spirit to his golf game. Martin is a talented golfer and a member of the Olympic club in San Francisco. He enjoys the game immensely and has competed in the Father & Son Invitational Golf Tournament in Waterville on many occasions winning the event in 2012 with his son Daniel.

Congratulations Martin on a truly well-deserved honor.