The Late Liam Kelly While time has passed since the untimely death of Liam Kelly, still a dark cloud hangs over his native Lissycasey. The accident which claimed his life happened a short time after he had attended the replay of the county senior football final in which Kilkee beat Kilrush. He was due to return to Cusack Park the next day for the Munster club hurling championship between Clarecastle and Patrickswell. Such was his love for gaelic games that there was scarcely a week but Liam attended a match somewhere. He rarely missed a game involving his native Lissycasey or his beloved Clare but his sporting interests weren't confined to gaelic games. Liam was in New York in 1994 when Jack Charton's Ireland beat the then World cup champions Italy. He followed the fortunes of the Munster and Irish rugby teams but there is no denying that gaelic games were his first love. A lifelong member of the local club, he filled many positions with Lissycasey over the years including the post of secretary. Liam played his part in helping the club progress at juvenile and adult levels to the stage where they now compete in A grade competitions in most age groups. He was never afraid to offer his views to club officers and team mentors but his comments were always constructive and always for the good of the club. His burning wish in recent years was to see the club's senior team make the break through to win the county title and he regularly spoke to the players of what it would mean if this could be achieved. Many of the people who served the club as officers over the past thirty years were encouraged to get involved and give some time to the club by Liam. There is no doubt but that the successes enjoyed by Clare teams in the nineties brought great joy to Liam. The breakthrough by the footballers in '92 followed by the successes of the hurlers since '95 were often recalled. He was a true follower of county teams, attending games whatever the weather conditions and whatever the prospects for the teams at the time. For over thirty years, together with his friend Tony McMahon he travelled to venues up and down the country to support Clare and, more often than not, he returned disappointed with the result but full of support for those involved. In later years, Tony's son David travelled with them to various games. He was particularly proud of the fact that when the county senior football and hurling teams finally achieved success in the nineties. Lissycasey club members figured prominently. He was especially proud of the roles played by Martin Daly and Colin Lynch on the inter-county front over the last decade and especially for their loyalty to their club. Because of his support for county hurling and football teams, he came know many of the players and mentors very well and this was clearly evident at the funeral when they turned up in big numbers to pay their respects to a great friend. Liam was always a great help and support to the priests of the parish and was always available whenever work needed to be done at the local church of which he was particularly proud. He was particularly popular with his nieces and nephews and he followed their progress through school and in sport, encouraging and supporting them at all times. Liam will be sadly missed by all but particularly by his mother Mary, brothers Dan, Stephen and Vincent and sisters, Fanny, Mairead, Breda and Mary. Shortly after Liam death his friend and neighbour David McMahon wrote the following lines in tribute to Liam: A tribute never translates in words The meanings, thoughts and emotions That swell in the hearts of us in grief Loss and commotion So talking of our dear old friend May cause anguish and deep tears But to our friend in Heaven We enjoyed your many years You lived for days in Thurles That chats, the crowds and banner roar Your heroes lived on your doorstep But you were a hero to so many more Maroon and white by day and night Talk of white flags and the small ball Your many friends and family Will miss your laugh and call So if there's a goalpost in Heaven If there's a match there tonight Be sure that Liam is watching And or yes, umpire please get it right 29th November 2003 Courtesy of the Clare Champion Tweet

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