James Lynam Molloy (c. August 1837 - 4 February 1909) was an Irish poet, author and composer.

James Molloy attended St Edmund's College (Ware) as a student between 1851 & 1855 along with his brother Bernard, who later became an MP. After leaving the College, he went to the Catholic University in Dublin, graduating in 1858. He then continued his studies in London, Paris & Bonn, being called to the Bar in 1863, although he never practised Law.

He started writing and publishing songs which soon became popular in concert halls. Initially concentrating on operettas, he later gained popularity with his songs The Old Cottage Clock, Bantry Bay and The Kerry Dance. In 1884 he had his greatest success of all Love's Old Sweet Song, a song since very popular with sailors, among others. He also wrote a book in 1874 called Our Autumn Holiday on French Rivers.

[edit] References

• David J S Kay, The People of St Edmund's College (The Edmundian Association: 2003) ISBN 0-9546125-0-7