James J Donnelly known as 'Jimmy' is a retired Irish international lawn bowler.

[1][2] He represented Northern Ireland at three Commonwealth Games and his best achievement was winning a bronze medal in the pairs at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh with Syd Thompson.

In addition he has won five National indoor titles and was Ireland's bowler of the year in 1965.

[5] He was the runner-up in the 1979 World Indoor Bowls Championship, losing out to the legendary David Bryant.

The 'Jimmy Donnelly Trophy', an award given to Ireland's best bowler at the annual British Isles International series is named after him.