James Myles

James Sproule Myles MC (1877 – 13 February 1956) was an Irish soldier, politician and rugby union player.

For those of a similar name, see James Miles (disambiguation).

Rugby player

Myles played rugby for City of Derry and Ireland. In October 1899, together with Thomas Harvey, he was a member of the Ireland team that went on a tour of Canada.[1] This was their first ever overseas tour. While playing, he broke his leg and he had to remain in Canada until December while the rest of the touring party returned home in November.[2]

Soldier

During World War I, Myles served in the British Army with both the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Engineers. He won the Military Cross for bravery and reached the rank of Major.[3]

Personal life

He was among a group of 40 Unionists kidnapped in February 1922.[4] "Though apparently not an Orangeman, Myles was a Prince Mason in a chapter well stocked with Orange luminaries."[5]

Politician

Myles served as an independent Teachta Dála (TD) in Dáil Éireann for twenty years.[6] He was elected on his first attempt at the 1923 general election and was subsequently re-elected six times, winning the greatest number of first preferences in each of the seven elections. He initially represented Donegal but then switched to Donegal East when the 8-seat constituency was divided in 1937.

He lost his seat in 1943, and was defeated again in 1944.[7]

He died in 1956 and is buried at St. Anne's Church in Ballyshannon, County Donegal.[8]

References
  1. "Canada 1899". Irish Rugby 1874–1999. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  2. The Ireland Rugby Miscellany (2007). Ciaran Cronin.
  3. "Medal card of Myles, James Sproule". www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  4. Fitzpatrick, David (2002). "The Orange Order and the Border". Irish Historical Studies. 33 (129): 57, 64. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  5. Fitzpatrick, David (2002). "The Orange Order and the Border". Irish Historical Studies. 33 (129): 64. Retrieved 20 October 2020., citing 'Irish Freemasons' calendar and directory', for the year A.D. 1914, pp 177-8
  6. "James Sproule Myles". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  7. "James Myles". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  8. "Gravestone Inscriptions, St. Anne's Church of Ireland, Ballyshannon, No. 182". www.ulsterancestry.com. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
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