A veterinary surgeon, racehorse trainer, bloodstock breeder and company director, he was first elected to the Free State Seanad as a Cumann na nGaedheal member in 1922.
[1] From 1938 onwards, he was elected by the Cultural and Educational Panel as a Fine Gael member.
[2] "J.J." Parkinson was born at Tramore, County Waterford, and qualified as a veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) in London.
After a short spell in the United States he settled at Maddenstown Lodge also on the Curragh which remained his home for forty-five years.
[3] He trained the winners of 2,577 races in Ireland, including two in the Irish Derby before his death after several years of ill-health at Maddenstown Lodge.