The son of John and Mary (née Casey), he received a limited education at the local national school.
In a time when opportunities were few, Grimes later worked as a labourer and, like many of his fellow countrymen, he was forced to emigrate.
Grimes played his club hurling with his local Kilfinane team and enjoyed some success.
Limerick breezed through the provincial championship and reached the Munster final with Cork providing the opposition.
Kilkenny provided the opposition on that occasion as both sides were hoping to win the All-Ireland title for the first time.