The Irish Whales : Olympians of Old New York

This book tells the fascinating story of seven Irish-American Olympians from the early twentieth century, who were sports heroes in their time yet are now largely forgotten. These decorated American athletes, who came to be known as the Irish Whales, dominated the Olympic track and field throwing events in the early 1900s.

In the early 1900s, the Olympic Games track and field throwing events were dominated by a group of Irish-born weight throwers representing the United States. These athletes came to be known as the “Irish Whales”—primarily because of their immense size and larger-than-life presence.

The Irish Whales: Olympians of Old New York shares the untold story of these Irish American athletes who competed with unparalleled distinction for the United States. James Mitchell, John Flanagan, Martin Sheridan, Pat McDonald, Paddy Ryan, and Con Walsh won a total of eighteen medals in the Olympic Games between 1900 and 1924 and completely dominated the world stage in their chosen athletic disciplines. They were lionized in the American and Irish press and became folk heroes among Irish-American immigrant communities. Almost all of these men were further distinguished by their membership in the fabled Irish American Athletic Club of New York and careers with the New York Police Department.

The story of the Irish Whales is the very embodiment of the American Dream and exemplifies the triumph of many Irish emigrants in the New World. Featuring a wonderful collection of original photographs, The Irish Whales tells the dramatic stories of these international athletes and their extraordinary sporting successes.