James Colbert


James Colbert was an Irish politician and farmer.

Early life

Born in the townland of Moanleana, Castlemahon, County Limerick, he was the son of Michael Colbert, a farmer, and Honora McDermott. An older brother was Con Colbert, who was executed for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising.
His family later moved to the village of Athea. In 1901, his family were living in the townland of Templeathea West.

Political activity

Colbert participated in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
He was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Sinn Féin Teachta Dála for the Limerick constituency at the 1923 general election. He did not take his seat in the 4th Dáil due to Sinn Féin's abstentionist policy. He was elected as a Fianna Fáil TD at the June 1927 general election. He was re-elected at the September 1927 and 1932 general elections. He lost his seat at the 1933 general election.

Death

Colbert, who was a resident of Bray, County Wicklow, died on 28 January 1970 in Dublin. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
James Colbert and Michael Colbert, who both represented Fianna Fáil in the Limerick constituency at different times, were cousins.