As the Paris 2024 Olympics are continuing at present, we would like to take this time to remember Ballybricken’s own Olympian – John O’Grady
John O’Grady, an Irish champion and world record holding weight thrower who represented Ireland at the Olympics, was born on 17 February 1891 (though he was often recorded as born in 1892) in Ballybricken, Co. Limerick.
John stood over 6 feet tall and weighed more than 18 stone, a formidable sight. Although he was considered a gentle giant as all who knew him mentioned his jolly disposition.
100 years ago, John represented Ireland in the 1924 Summer Olympics and was the country’s flag bearer. He participated in the shot put, which he threw a distance of 12.75 metres which placed him 17th in the Olympics.
There is a memorial monument erected in John O’Grady’s memory, this monument at the Fair Green commemorates champion weight thrower John O’Grady from Ballybricken who died in 1934. The Ballybricken Bohermore GAA club crest in inspired by this monument.
The inscription on the monument reads:
Erected by his admirers in proud memory of John O Grady World Champion Weight Thrower born at Ballybricken, Co. Limerick 17th Feb 1892. Died at Limerick 26th Nov 1934. He worthily upheld Ireland’s Athletic prestige and endeared himself to all by his loveable character and simple bearing.
JOHN O’GRADY’S SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Putting 16 lb Shot:
1914, Irish Championships, 38 ft. 3 in
1916, Irish Championships, 42 ft. 6.5 in.
1918, Limerick Co. Board Sports, 40 ft., 7 in.
1923, Dublin Metropolitan Police Sports, 44 ft. 11 in.
1923, Clonliffe Sports, 45 ft. 5 in.
1924, Irish Championships, 43 ft. 2.5 in.
1924, Tailteann Games, 44 ft., 6 in.
1925, Irish Championships, 45 ft. 6.5 in.
Putting 28 lbs:
1913, Irish Championships, 35ft. 1in.
1913, Limerick v. Kerry, 35ft. 5in., World Record
1913, Kilmallock, 36ft. 2in., World Record
1913, Mallow, 36ft. 10.25in., World Record
1914, Irish Championships, 35ft. 6in.
1915, Irish Championships, 35ft. 10in.
1916, Irish Championships, 37ft. 9.5in.
1917, Irish Championships, 36ft. 6in.
1918, Irish Championships, 37ft. 4in.
1918, Limerick Co. Board Sports, 36ft., 3in.
1922, Civic Guards Sports, 38ft., 10in., World Record
1923, Dublin Metropolitan Police Sports, 38ft. 10in.
1924, Tailteann Games, 39ft. 9in., World Record
Putting 42lbs:
1921, Limerick, 29ft., 10.125in.
1922, Civic Guards Sport, 30ft. 4in, Curragh, Irish Record
Pushing 56 lb (or from the Sholder):
1914, Kilmallock, 23ft., 11in., World Record
1915, Dungarvan, 24ft., 8.875in., World Record
1917, Irish Championships, 24ft. 0in.
1918, Munster Championship, 24ft., 4.5in.,
1920, Cratloe Sports, 25ft., 4in., World Record
1922, Civic Guards Sports, World Record
1928, Castleiney Sports, 26ft. 7in.
1930, Kilmallock Sports, 25ft. 4in.
Slinging 56 lb:
1917 Irish Championships, 25ft. 2in.
1918, Irish Championships, 24ft. 4.5in.
1924, Irish Championships, 25ft. 0in.
1928, Galway Sports, 26ft., 9in.
1929, Limerick Sports, 26ft. 7in.
Throwing (or Slinging) 56 lbs:
1923, Dublin Metropolitan Police Sports, 29ft. 4in
1928, Cappamore Sports, 31ft., 3in. (certified)
1928, Limerick Sports, 30ft., 6in.
1929, Limerick Garda Sports, 29ft., 11in.
Over the Bar 56 lbs :
1923, Clonliffe Sports, 15ft., 3in.
1924, Tailteann Games, 14 ft., 6 in., tied with P. McDonald
1928, Tailteann Games, 15 ft., 0 in. (this was returned in error as 14 ft.)
1928, Newport Sports, 15 ft. 10 in.
1930, Kilmallock Sports, (no score printed)
1930, Mallow Sports, 15 ft.
