Martin Lennon 1899 – 1966

Sarah T Adams from Palm Beach, America contacted me in July 2016 saying, “Hello Paul ,I am looking for information about my grandfather, he lived in Logan Street ,his name was Martin Lennon , he died in the 1960s. The information I am looking for is about him playing football for third Lanark ,and any other group he played for, I know he won some medals. he was in the papers when he died .They said people walked for miles to pay thier respects. I live in Palm Beach County now in America and would dearly love to pass this information to my children .when I’m in Scotland and tell people my grandfather’s name they tell me they used to watch him play In Cathkin park.any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated”

I was able to reply with “Thanks for your email. I’m sorry to say I have very little on Martin…., but interestingly I do have a little information on a James Lennon, who also initially lived in Springwells and was a very accomplished football player who played for Blantyre Victoria. The request is made a little more difficult for me as Third Lanark was not a Blantyre team, and not one I’ve researched. I have a feeling though that this James Lennon, was the brother of your grandfather Martin. i.e both brothers were really into their football.  Here is what I found.

Third Lanark Football club ceased to exist just 1 year after Martin’s passing in 1966.

To be a professional footballer in the 1930’s would have been a dream come true. i.e to do that as your employment. These men were heroes to many local boys who would aspire to do the same and avoid a life in the pits. Your grandfather managed to turn his talent to break away from a family tradition of working in the dark, dangerous coal mining pits of Blantyre and that’s certainly something to be commended.  I hope this is of some interest.