Kelly, Paddy
July 10, 2010There was a profound sense of sorrow and loss in the Carlow area at the recent death, at his home, of Paddy Kelly, 25 Ashgrove, Tullow Road. Aged 61, Paddy had been ill for the past 20 months- an illness he bore without complaint and was a sense of optimism.
Paddy passed away peacefully in the company of his immediate family.
A native of Drogheda, Co. Louth, Paddy came to reside in Carlow at the age of 11 and, for the next half century, left his mark on the life of his adopted town where he was a deservedly popular figure.
On leaving school, Paddy first went to work with the Carlow Bakery in Tullow Street, Later, employment took him to Corcoran's bottling plant at Governey Square. Paddy then worked for the Lapple plant in the town, and then with another local manufacturing concern, Oglesby & Butler.
Paddy's career path then took a complete change of direction when he became involved in working with pre-school children at St Catherine's Social Service Centre on St Joseph's Road, a change he thoroughly enjoyed.
A talented sportsman, Paddy first sporting love was soccer. He played with Greenburrin, Barrow Rovers and Carlow Town. Possessed with an educated left foot and a brilliant header of the ball, Paddy was one of the best soccer players Carlow ever produced. After his playing days, Paddy became a soccer referee.
He played Gaelic football for O'Hanrahans and was also a GAA referee. As a youngster, he won a boxing award in Drogheda and was also an accomplished oarsman with Carlow Rowing Club.
Paddy was a member of the Dolmen Music Society and the only member to participate in all 12 of its productions between 1988 and 1999. Noted as a friendly, outgoing man who enjoyed life, Paddy always wore a smile.
One of a family of eight, he was son of the late Michael and Sarah Kelly.
Paddy's mother Sarah died when he was young boy, and Michael later married Bridie Glendon, who raised Paddy as her own.
Remains were removed from his home to The Church of the Holy Family, Askea. The O'Hanrahans colours draped the coffin while there were three guards of honour - from O'Hanrahans, Carlow soccer referees and colleagues from St Catherine's.
Fr Liam Morgan, CC Askea- Bennekerry, spoke of Paddy's faith and of his deep devotion of Our Lady of Fatima. At the funeral Mass, Paddy's brother Michael gave a eulogy, recalling many memories of the family growing up together in Drogheda and Carlow. Burial took place immediately afterwards in St. Mary's Cemetery.
An unusual and poignant aspect of Paddy's removal and funeral was to hear his fine singing voice on three of his favourites songs he had recorded on CD.
Paddy is survived by his wife Mary (nee Bowe) son Fintan ( Ashgrove), daughter Grace Kelly-Robinson (Waterford), partner Bridget Byrne, twin brothers Michael (Kildare) and Edward (Cashel), sisters Helen Haughney (Ballycarney), Kathleen Golden (Avondale Drive) Margaret Fasani (Long Island, New York), Anne Dunne (Idrone Park) and Bernadette Lacey (The Meadows, Bullock Park). He is also survived by grandchildren Padraig and Lauren, son-in-law Alan, aunts Dolores O'Shea (The Numbers, Graiguecullen) and Elizabeth Kelly (New Zealand), also nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist
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