James is a British middle distance runner. When only 21 he finished a credible 4th at the 1998 European championships.

James Mcllroy has had a very successful indoor campaign winning the Irish 800 meters and UK 1500 meters titles.

He is the fastest ever Irishman, north or south, at 800 meters with a 1 minute 44.65 seconds clocking from Rieti, Italy in 2005.

On 19 March 2008 James, who had been Northern Ireland's top middle-distance runner for more than a decade, announced his immediate retirement from athletics. It is believed that James will, however, continue in the sport in a coaching role from his London base.

James Mcllroy became a Right To Play ambassador in October 2007