James Kelly only played one match for Dulwich Hamlet. Sadly, during the match he suffered an injury which led to his death. It is right we remember the only person known to have lost his life representing our club.

James, a 24-year-old teacher at Cator Street School, lived at 49 Stanhope Buildings, Red Cross Street, Borough. He had been identified by the club as someone who could improve the side and made his debut versus local rivals Townley Park on September 26th 1903, watched by 2,000.

James was kneed in the stomach by Hamlet’s Jimmy Murphy whilst trying to head the ball. He went off feeling ill before Tom Rose gave Hamlet the lead. James returned for the second half, some reports suggest he scored Hamlet’s second goal, but left field after vomiting. Future Hamlet man Harold Buck scored a late consolation goal for the Parkites.

Post-match James vomited again, whilst heading for tea with a friend. He returned home and a doctor was called. James was missing for Hamlet’s first ever home match at Champion Hill the following week, though a full recovery was expected. Unfortunately, James declined badly in the following days and died on Wednesday 7th October.

A verdict of accidental death was returned. Unbeknown to James he suffered from heart and kidney disease and acute peritonitis. Peritonitis was the cause of death. A healthier person would have survived the injury.

Tom was buried at Kensal Green Roman Catholic Cemetery (his brother was a Catholic priest), on Saturday 10th. Hamlet cancelled all matches as a mark of respect. Hamlet returned to action on the 17th however Jimmy Murphy felt unable to return for another week.

Entered 2024/25

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