�Despite all this, we can only marvel at the truly amazing developments, which have taken place with regard to playing pitches, the community centre and equipment, as well as the playing standard.�

However, the GAA vice-president chairman referred to �the debit side, - the competition for the hearts and minds of our youth from other games and pastimes, which has never been fiercer. It�s on the young people that the future of any organisation depends.

�Despite the unnatural border, which has cut the parish in two for over 65 years, and the military occupation of a portion of the GAA property since 1971, Crossmaglen has never weakened in its loyalty to Ireland. May its allegiance to the GAA and all things Irish be as strong as ever in the years ahead,� stated the All-Ireland Primate.

Over the years, the cardinal had been in communication with Irish and British political leaders, as well as various Secretaries of State, receiving assurances but no action. However, as the Northern Ireland Peace Process gathered pace, and especially with the arrival of �Mo� Mowlam at Stormont, the problem finally appeared on the agenda.

It was suggested that the GAA property at Crossmaglen could be handed back by the British Army, as a quid pro quo for the abolition of the rule, prohibiting police and security forces from joining Gaelic football clubs. But this was ruled out by the Armagh County Board. Eventually, three years ago, came the official restoration of the seized land.

One person who epitomises the spirit of commitment at the Rangers� club is John Martin, spanning almost 60 years as player, manager, club secretary and general factotum. Born at the Square in Cross�, son of an egg-merchant, he married Eileen O�Callaghan, who lived on the opposite of the Square. He has been a cinema projectionist, newsagent, cattle-dealer and greyhound breeder.

Tragedy struck the family in 1994 when a son, Michael, daughter-in-law, Briege and granddaughter, Leane, were killed in a car-crash. His other sons are Kevin, a bread-server and dog-breeder; Raymond, a joiner; Malachy, a mechanic; and Patrick, an accountant in Cardiff. John�s brother, Paud, was employed at Quinn�s the Milestone in Newry, while his sister Vera, became Mrs Tom Quinn, operating a supermarket in Preston.

Big John recalled the war years, when smuggling was rampant, especially cattle, butter, tea and sugar. A major personality was Eddie Richardson, a builder, who became M.P. for South Armagh. A champion cyclist, he held the record from Newry to Warrenpoint.

Turning his hand to cattle-dealing, John Martin would �walk� the cows 12 miles to Camlough Fair, and all the way back if there was no sale. A horse and cart would be used for the journey to Castleblayney Mart. At Crossmaglen, the Market Society was run by publican Paddy Short, Councillor Paddy McArdle and Gene Hanratty, based at the building, which also served as the Town Hall and cinema, now the Community Centre.

John�s football career began in 1945, playing in a field, which is now the estate where he lives. His teammates included Brendan Duffy, now in the USA; Frank and Patsy McConville, Jim McQuaid, Joe Brennan, Frank McCreedy and Anthony Hearty. Teachers were Masters Norris and Collins, along with Mrs Murphy, sister of Paddy Short.

Next year, he played in goals on an Armagh county minor side, along with Malachy McEvoy, Gene Morgan, (Dr) Pat O�Neill and (Fr) Pat Smyth. The goalkeeper on the Down team was Emmett McGivern from Warrenpoint, while another member of the squad was (Dr) Martin Walsh, long-time medical officer with teams from the Mourne county.

Graduating to the senior squad, big John was in the Armagh side, which won the Dr McKenna Cup in 1949, and the Dr Lagan Cup in November 1953. He just missed out on playing with the Orchard County in the All-Ireland Senior Final against Kerry, 50 years ago.

This amiable giant went on to become a record-breaking manager in the 60�s, as the men in black and amber won no less than six League and County Championship titles - and would have won another, but for a dispute with the County Board. He also held the reins in 1972 and `84; and was club secretary from 1955 to `70. Later he was Lotto organiser, and looked after the kit, etc. It�s no wonder that John Martin received the �Hall of Fame� Award.

John was also a leading member of the Crossmaglen Dramatic Society, the producers being Fr Halpenny and Eva Cassidy. Others in the cast have been John and Pat Duffy, Joan McEvoy, Margaret McConville, Paddy Early, Colman Hearty, Joan McKay, Nan Lennon, Joan McKay, Frank and Eileen McKenna, John Fee and Moira Kirk.

Incidentally, this genial sportsman has only missed two All-Ireland Finals, since he was seven years of age. His first match in 1935 featured Cavan and Kildare. And his most memorable game was an Ulster Final between Armagh and Cavan, played at Castleblayney, when he was 11. The match was abandoned, and the replay switched to Croke Park.

As the crowds gather for the glamorous games at Crossmaglen, they will see the new Stand of Cardinal O Fiaich that was blessed by Archbishop Sean Brady, that had an official opening by the President of the GAA. The opening was an occasion of pride and satisfaction for John Martin, and the other long-suffering Gaels from this historic and now-famous club!

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