James E Kennedy Hull FC Captain and all round sportsman

James E Kennedy 2 Sept 1892 was a keen sportsman started his rugby career with the junior side Marlborough.

Leaving Marlborough, J E Kennedy, Brother Will and Dickey Hulme migrated to Barnsley United and as a result of their combined efforts three cups adorned the Barnsley sideboard, these representing final successes in Junior Cup, the Hull and District Rugby Cup and the League Championships, Instead of receiving three medals however, they all received one large medal each.

Kennedy was keen to join Hull FC and signed for the club on the 1 Oct 1912 at the age of 20 years old, developing his rugby technique playing in the A team being the top try scorer and goal kicker.

Kennedy found it difficult to get selected for the first team and at the outbreak of WW1 he joined the colours in 1914 as privates in the 11 East Yorkshire Palls.

With his mates he took an active part in the regimental games and played football, of course under RU Rules.

With four Hull battalions all included many well known local players the games were generally of the Needle variety.

When on leave Kennedy was always ready for a game and on 9 Jan 1915 he was selected to debut against Bramley at the Barley Mow.

After the war Kennedy rugby career took off and had some great reviews that he was awarded the captaincy in 1919 to 1921, 1921 to 1922 and 1924 to 1925.

James Kennedy playing record for Hull FC was 237matches, 68 tries and 523 points, A player of his capability James was only selected to play once for Yorkshire