Author Martin Quinn features the incredible life story of James "Jimmy" Cully a fighting champ from Tipp who's believed to be the tallest Irishman.
James "Jimmy" Cully was born in 1921 in Tipperary Town, to James and Mary (Ryan). He was unique in that he was the tallest man in Ireland. He stood 7'2" in his stockings and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. His shoe size was 16.
He led a varied career after leaving national school in Tipperary Town, and his interest and participation in many sports took him worldwide. When he returned home, he started his own firm, Cully's Amusements, having initially begun work in this sphere with the well-known firm Perks of Youghal.
Sports-wise, in the 40s, he boxed professionally under the management of Gerard Egan. He was the tallest boxer in his weight class. With such a huge height, Jim was quite thin. He did not weigh more than 120 kg / 54,4 lbs in fights.
He fought 6 times in the heavyweight division between 1942 and 1948. Cully won three bouts and knocked out every fighter in those victories. With a lot at stake in 1942, he chopped, dropped and stopped "Butcher" Howell to win the Irish national heavyweight title.
In 1947, he went to Boston, where he changed to wrestling and appeared in a coast-to-coast series. Jimmy was matched with the American professional Frank Sexton, who was the reigning champion. The contest took place in Boston, and both were counted out. A 'no contest' was declared when it ended up outside the ring. This event ended his wrestling career, and he reverted to boxing.
Jimmy Culley in the ring.
He fought four or five contests in different parts of the U.S., with a notable victory against Pennsylvanian boxer Wally Baden in Queens, in May 1948. Cully’s approach to boxing was defined by using his long reach to keep opponents at a distance, allowing him to control the fight's pace. His matches often showcased his ability to leverage his height advantage, though he also faced challenges due to this. Manoeuvring his large frame and maintaining endurance were aspects Cully had to constantly work on.
He retired in 1948 after his TKO loss to Earl Pierce in Buffalo, New York. Shortly afterwards, he returned to Ireland and focused all his attention on the amusement business. During his sporting career, he was frequently referred to as the "Giant of Tipperary" or the "Goliath of Ireland". Jimmy was married to Emma (O'Neill). Though a giant of a man in stature, he was known to have a gentle and generous heart. Jimmy died in 1981 and is buried in Tipperary.
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"'Tiny' Cully was one of the tallest fighters in boxing history, conservatively measured at 7’2”. He would enjoy a short and ultimately unsuccessful boxing career; he found his greatest popularity during his couple of fights in the United States after appearing three times in Dalymount. Cully also seems to have enjoyed some popularity as a wrestler after he hung up his gloves."
- Quote from "A Bohemian Sporting Life".
Footnote to the story: As a child, I recall Jimmy Cully calling to our home to play cards. At Christmas time, my Dad and Mam would have a card game with friends. They were all good friends and would play cards at each other's homes. I remember my Dad telling us that he was a Garda, so we would be on our best behaviour! We soon got wise to that one... I have little memory of Jimmy except that he was always a lovely man to us as children. We looked up to him with great wonder and were fascinated to see him driving from what looked like the back seat of his car!
The story of Jimmy Cull(e)y is featured in the book "Tipperary Talks", which is available on Amazon.
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