James Lalor (16 October 1877 – 28 February 1956) was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Threecastles, County Kilkenny, Lalor first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty when made his senior debut in the 1897 championship. Lalor went on to play a key part for Kilkenny during the team's breakthrough and first golden age, and won two All-Ireland medals and six Leinster medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion. At club level Lalor won two championship medals with Threecastles. Lalor's brother, Martin, was also an All-Ireland medallist with Kilkenny. Early life He was born at Cooleshall, Three Castles, in October 1877 and received his education at Clinstown National School. Playing career Club Lalor played his club hurling with Threecastles and enjoyed much success during the club's most successful era. In 1898 he lined out in his first county championship decider. Confederation was the opponent. However, a 4-1 to 2-3 victory gave Lalor his first championship medal. After losing the county decider in 1901, it was 1903 before Lalor enjoyed further success. A 2-10 to 0-5 defeat of Kilmanagh in a replay gave him a second championship medal. Inter-county Lalor first came to prominence on the inter-county scene when he made his senior debut with Kilkenny in 1897. After receiving a walkover from Wexford in the provincial decider, Kilkenny later faced Limerick in the All-Ireland final on 20 November 1898. Kilkenny had yet to win the All-Ireland, however, they looked set for victory by taking a 2-4 to 1-1 half-time lead. Two Limerick goals early in the second-half changed the complexion of the game. Kilkenny failed to score in the second-half as Limerick went on to win by 3-4 to 2-4. In 1898 Lalor lined out in his first provincial decider. A 4-12 to 3-2 trouncing of Dublin gave Lalor his second Leinster title, his first on the field of play. This victory allowed Kilkenny advance to an All-Ireland final meeting with Tipperary on 25 March 1900. Kilkenny dominated the first twenty-three minutes, however, Tipperary then took command. In the second-half Mikey Maher scored a hat-trick of goals while Bill Devane scored a remarkable point, kicking the sliotar over off the top of the goalpost. At the long whistle Tipperary had recorded a 7-13 to 3-10 victory, as Lalor ended up on the losing side once