Jamesy Kelleher (31 March 1878 – 10 January 1943) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-back for the Cork senior team.
Kelleher was posthumously honoured by being named in the right corner-back position on the Cork Hurling Team of the Century.
[1] After defeat by Redmonds in the 1900 championship decider, Kelleher was captain of the team two years later when they faced Shanballymore in the final.
Kelleher made his senior championship debut on 3 November 1901 in a delayed 0-12 to 0-9 Munster semi-final defeat by Tipperary.
The 1901 championship was also delayed due to organisational difficulties, however, Kelleher found himself to be a regular on the team.
Kellher's side were the overwhelming favourites against a team of exiles which was made up of nine Cork men.
A downpour made the underfoot conditions difficult as London settled better and Cork floundered.
A goal for London with ten minutes left in the game sealed Cork’s fate and Kelleher ended up on the losing side by 1-5 to 0-4.
The game, however, had to be replayed as Cork goalkeeper Daniel McCarthy was a British army reservist and Kilkenny’s Matt Gargan had earlier played with Waterford in the Munster championship.
[5] Six-in-a-row of provincial titles proved beyond Cork, however, the team bounced back in 1907 with Kelleher taking over as captain for a second time.
On 17 November 1912 Cork were scheduled to face Kilkenny in the All-Ireland decider, however, Kelleher had to withdraw from the team due to injury.
Kelleher was born in Clonmult near Dungourney, County Cork, the second of seven children of William and Johanna (née Cronin).
After completing his education, he worked as a farmer and also bred and trained many first class horses and won several cross-country and steeplechase trophies.