Jim Healy

Jim Healy was a member of the Síochána (Gardaí), the national police and security service of the Republic of Ireland, and joined the Garda Boxing Club in 1924. He took part in his first championship that same year and represented the Garda against teams from England, Scotland, and Wales.

After finishing runner-up to Jack Chase in the 1927 Open Police Championships in London, Healy retired from the ring to take up various administrative posts with the Garda Police Boxing Association, firstly as treasurer in 1928 and then as secretary from 1930. Healy also served the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) for over 30 years and served on the committees of the Irish Olympic and Tailteann Games committees. As a referee, timekeeper, and judge, Healy officiated at both the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. Healy was also a trainer and manager of both the Irish police and national boxing squads, and toured Europe and the USA with them.

An all-round sports enthusiast, Healy was the one-time secretary of the governing body for all sports within the Garda, and in the1930s and 1940s was captain of the Garda Badminton Club as he helped promote the popularity of the sport. He was also keenly involved with handball, hurling, and Gaelic football.