Martin Has Left the Building

On Tuesday 15^th April we waved goodbye to Martin Harrington as he emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Julie and children Emily & Keane. Martin joined Covents way back in August 1984 as a centre who became a scrum half. On October 18th 1986 he fumbled at the Number 8’s feet and a rare pushover try against Bedworth went begging. His penchant for kleptomania hit new heights in the 1987 Warks Cup final when he held a St. John’s Ambulance man’s cap to ransom in the local press. This selfless act secured lots of positive press for the club . . .

Redeeming himself on January 2nd 1988 during the first two games ever played at Coventrians’ new ground, he scored the first ever try, touching down at the far end (of what is now the first team pitch) for the thirds against B’ham Civil Service in a 4 - 20 defeat. On March 18th 1989 he sustained a broken jaw at Earlsdon in a second team game. Contrary to popular myth, he did not take the field with a huge target painted on his face bearing the legend, “Hit me!” Having said that it wasn’t heartbreaking when said jaw was wired up for six weeks and Martin fell virtually silent.

His final bow for Coventrians, sometime in the last ten years ended in glory as he was substituted for James and so brought the curtain down on a memorable career bumming around the seconds and thirds and having many a laugh down the years. The merriment continued as Martin became a Vice President (who actually paid his fees) and in recent years, a club sponsor (especially prominent on those most waterproof of training tops).

So mate, we wish you well down in the “Land of the long white cloud.” Good luck, stay in touch and don’t forget to come back to your spiritual home.

(Mick Winterton)