The Late J.J. Kelly The sudden death, after a short illness, of John Joe Kelly, Creeveroe, Newbridge has shocked and saddened the entire community. The large congregation which attended his funeral was a measure of the high esteem in which he was held by young and old alike. John Joe was a generous personality who was known for his quick wit and friendly banter. He was a well respected member of the community, remembered for his generosity of spirit and his willingness to help anyone in need. He will be sorely missed by many neighbours and friends accustomed to his frequent visits and errands. John Joe led a full and active life. In his youth he was a skillful Gaelic footballer. For many years, he was secretary and a playing member of the Newbridge Football Club. At this time, before the formation of St. Brendans, the junior team in Newbridge was the only Gaelic football teams, but it was his display in goal for the celebrated Newbridge seven-a-side football tournament that drew large crowds to Newbridge. Sixteen teams from East Galway and Roscommon were invited each year to compete for desirable prizes such as tickets to All-Ireland finals, radios and watches. In 1949 the attractive prize of seven bicycles was up for grabs. 56 years on, it is difficult to appreciate the value of these bikes to the players- more than a week's wage. After a classic encounter as the song records, "Desmond Clifford scored a point and Cregg won the bikes". That crushing one point defeat is still recalled by numerous Newbridge supporters who were present that day. The following day, August 15th, John Joe and some of his team mates cycled to Knock, where they met some of the victorious Creggs players on their shiny new bikes. A bitter pill to swallow for the Newbridge lads! John Joe was also talented member of the Newbridge GAA drama group in the 1950s. His comic timing and on stage chemistry with his good friend,the late Mickey Cunningham, frequently brought the house down in plays such as "The Cobweb's Glory" and "A Will and A Woman". Plays brought light hearted relief during the drab Lenten season and were staged in the local hall as well as in nearby venues such as Four Roads and Creggs. In the 1970's John Joe took an active interest in the parish Community Games, regularly driving to camogie fixtures throughout the county. Along with the late Mark Wall and Marty Healy, he was a selector of the 1978 Under 14 parish team, which reached the All-Ireland final in Mosney. He worked for many years as on Overseer with Galway County Council and was responsible for water supply in East Galway. After his retirement he played an active role in the Newbridge Development Association. His funeral Mass in St Patrick's Church, Newbridge was concelebrated by Fr Sean Beirne, PP Ballygar, Fr Tom Beirne, CC, Newbridge, Fr Frank Cusack, Mobile, Alabama, USA and Fr Michael Donnelly, Strokestown. John is survived by his wife Peggy; his son John (Dublin) daughters Brid (Home), Maureen (Dublin), Kathleen and Joan (Galway), granddaughter, Isobel, sisters Kathleen (Derry), Annie and Bridie (Manchester), son-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald 17th August 2005 Tweet

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