James Walsh (Irish politician)

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For other persons named James Walsh, see James Walsh (disambiguation).

James Joseph Walsh (20 February 1880 – 30 November 1948) was a senior Irish Cumann na nGaedhael politician.

J.J. Walsh was born in Bandon, County Cork in 1881. From a farming background he later worked locally as a clerk in the Post Office. He was also active in the Gaelic Athletic Association, promoting Gaelic games in many areas. Walsh emigrated to England, but returned to participate in the Easter Rising in 1916. He was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, but was released under general amnesty shortly after.

Walsh was elected as a Sinn Féin MP in the 1918 general election for the Cork City constituency. As a member of the 1st Dáil he was arrested for partaking in an illegal government. He was released in 1921 and supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty and went on to become a founder-member of the new political party, Cumann na nGaedhael. Walsh served in the cabinet of W. T. Cosgrave on one occasion. He was elected at every election for the Cork Borough constituency until 1927 when he retired from politics.

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Political offices
Preceded by
Newly created office		 Minister for Posts & Telegraphs
1922–1927		 Succeeded by
Ernest Blythe