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Fullname: James Foley
aka: Fox Foley, John Foley, John Jim Foley
Born: 19 March 1914
Birthplace: Cork
Died: 14 October 1952
Signed: 24 May 1934
Left: 31 Dec 1936 (to Plymouth Argyle)
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Celtic 4-0 Airdrie, League, 19 Oct 1935
Internationals: Ireland (Free State)
International Caps: 5

Biog

Irish goalkeeper James Foley signed for the Bhoys from Cork City in May 1934. The Cork-born former Belfast Celtic man had just won the FAI Cup when he moved to Glasgow. An Irish international he made his competitive Celtic debut in a 4-0 league victory over Airdrie at Parkhead on October 19th 1935.

The red haired Foley was mostly a reserve at Celtic Park but he was a more than competent keeper, a fine deputy for Joe Kennaway and a popular figure among his team-mates. He departed Celtic in December 1936 for Plymouth after six appearances for the Hoops and an excellent record of 4 shut-outs in six matches.

Between 1936 and 1939 "John" or John (Jim), as he was also known made 41 appearances for Plymouth Argyle. His Plymouth Argyle career can be found here.

He would later return to Ireland and enjoyed much success with Cork United.

Despite not many opportunities for the first team, he had his adventures in the reserves it seems as well. After one incident, a court in Edinburgh accepted that he had been assaulted by a spectator at Tynecastle in a reserve game against Hearts it was Foley who was charged and, despite a King's Counsel's best efforts, convicted by an Edinburgh Magistrate. From the 'A-Z of Celts' by McBride et al:

" . . he got into deep trouble in a reserve game at Tynecastle (28th November 1936). Under intense provocation, Foley drop-kicked a ball point- blank towards the jeering mass behind his goal. There was a pitch invasion, Foley himself was head-butted, then arrested and charged with assault. At the trial in Edinburgh Burgh Court on 1st February 1937, left back Jack Doyle & left half Bertie Duffy both denied the ball had hit a spectator. Both testified it had hit the surrounding wall only. To no avail as Foley was fined £2 with the option of 20 days in the slammer!"

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

See International record below.
[Indicate any known awards (player of the year, etc)]

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Belfast Celtic

Glasgow Evening Times, 15 Oct, 1952