William Graham

William Graham attended Kingstown Grammar School, Dublin before going to University College, Dublin, from where he obtained a degree in medicine, surgery and obstetrics. During World War I, Graham served as a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) but, in October 1917, during an advance in Flanders, he was seriously wounded and had to have one of his legs amputated. He was subsequently awarded the Military Cross (MC) for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of stretcher-bearers.

Prior to the War, Graham played hockey at grammar school and later played for the Palmerstown and Monkstown clubs, and won the Irish Senior Cup with the latter in 1910. He also played for, and captained, Leinster in inter-provincial matches. An outstanding half back with great passing ability, Graham was capped by Ireland in 1907 and the following year won a silver medal at the London Olympics. He played in both of Ireland’s matches; the 3-1 win over Wales, and the 8-1 defeat by England in the final. Before the outbreak of the War, Graham was living in the Liverpool area and played for the West Derby Hockey Club. He also won county honours with Lancashire

After his playing days were over, Dr. Graham maintained contact with the sport. He was an Irish selector and was president of the Irish Hockey Union in 1934. He was also the president of Monkstown HC between 1927-36, having previously been chairman prior to World War I. In the 1930s, Graham was the Medical Officer for the Ministry of Pensions.