John Fihelly
Australian rugby union footballer, rugby league footballer and administrator, and Labor party politician
About John Fihelly
Lived 1882 – 1945 (aged 62). John Fihelly was an Australian and Irish rugby league player, rugby union player, politician, agent-General, civil service and journalist.
John Arthur Fihelly (7 November 1882 – 2 March 1945) was a public servant, politician, rugby union & rugby league player in Queensland, Australia. He was the Treasurer of Queensland. He represented Australia as a professional rugby league footballer and a founder of the Queensland Rugby League.
Early life
Fihelly was born in Timoleague, County Cork, Ireland. The family emigrated to Australia the following year. He was educated at the Petrie Terrace State School and St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, until 1895. He then joined the post office as a telegraph messenger. He eventually transferred to the Department of Trade and Customs. and claimed one international rugby union cap for Australia, in 1907. and held several ministerial roles including Attorney-General and Treasurer until his resignation in 1922. and was buried in Toowong Cemetery.
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Important facts
People in John Fihelly's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Fihelly?
Australian rugby union footballer, rugby league footballer and administrator, and Labor party politician
When was John Fihelly born?
John Fihelly was born on 7 November 1882 in Timoleague.
When did John Fihelly die?
John Fihelly died on 2 March 1945 in Brisbane.
What was John Fihelly's occupation?
John Fihelly was a rugby league player, rugby union player, politician, agent-General, civil service and journalist.
What nationality was John Fihelly?
John Fihelly was Australian and Irish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Fihelly. https://biography.guide/john-fihelly/
MLA: "John Fihelly." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-fihelly/.
Chicago: "John Fihelly." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-fihelly/.
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