James J. MURPHY

At his best as a cross-country runner, James Murphy won the Northern Counties title in 1909-10 and was the English champion in 1909. He represented Ireland in the International Cross-Country five times (1907-10, 1912), being the first Irishman home when eighth in 1907-08. On the track, 1908 was his best year – he was the Irish AAA 4 miles champion (a title he would regain in 1912), won for Ireland vs Scotland, and was a finalist in the 5 miles at the Olympics. Murphy worked at the Kinsley Park Colliery for 30 years and was president of the Yorkshire Deputies Association 1932-36. He later became a Yorkshire pub landlord, and died four months after attending the 1962 International Cross-Country Championships at Sheffield, at the age of 82.

Personal Bests: 3 miles – 15:12.4 (1908); 4 miles – 20:31.4 (1908); 5 miles – 25:19.2 (1908).