Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly was born and raised at Poleredmond in the small village of Williamstown, County Galway and was active in athletics as a sprinter in his youth with the Ballinasloe Harriers, winning an All-Ireland senior cross country championship in 1920 with the Galway team. He emigrated to England as a young man in 1920 where he continued in his participation in athletics with the Sutton Harriers, specializing in the steeplechase and competing at various events around England. Kelly was eventually selected in 1924 to represent his home country at the Paris Olympics, and competed in one of the heats of the 3000m steeplechase.

Following his Olympic appearance, Kelly returned to Ireland to join Garda Síochána, serving in Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Westmeath, Kildare, Cork, Wicklow and Wexford over a 40-year career, retiring in 1964 at the rank of Superintendent.

Personal Best: 3000S – 10:10.1 (1923).