Sad to tell readers about the passing of Paddy Kelly senior, the Grand Old Man of Meath Hurling.

Paddy was 94 years of age and created  a family hurling legacy that would be hard to surpass in GAA circles.

He was the last surviving member of the Meath hurling team which gaine All Ireland junior honours in 1948, at a time when this grade was much more competitive than that on offer at the moment.

Paddy was the very heart and soul of his community and club and his hard work over the decades had a huge bearing on the successful unit that Kiltale H.C, now is. He also played football for Moynalvey.

Nothing gave the Kellys and Co. more pleasure than celebrating another Jubilee Cup at Pairc Tailteann.

Paddy Kelly represented Meath hurlers from 1948 until 1964 and was one of the key players as the combination side St Patricks gained Meath senior hurling championships during 1953 and 54. Later he won a junior medal with his native Kiltale in 1972  and followed this up with an intermediate trophy two years on.

It is no co incidence that when Kiltale reache the Holy Grail and brought home Meath senior chamionships in 1982 and 83 that Paddy was on the line acting as an active and astute selector.

He also fulfilled that same selectors role when Dessie Ferguson managed the Meath senior hurlers.There is no surprise to add that the Kiltale man was the recipient of the Meath Hall of Fame award.

This writer remembers well a game in Trim back in the 1970's and as that familiar yellow mini peered between the pillars of the old main entrance, a voice from the bank declared '' Here comes Paddy Kelly''.

Paddy receives the 2004 Presidents Award from Sean Kelly

So well known, Mr Hurling, Paddy departs our shores with that wonder GAA legacy amongst a list of wonderful memories.

His son Paddy hurled for Meath for over a decade, was good enough for Leinster Railway Cup activity, managed a number of county teams and has served Meath County Board in a number of capacities. At present he is County Board Vice Chairman. 

As for other relatives of Paddy senior and those GAA connections?. It would take a book side effort to describe such involvement. Lets finish by saying that they are all proud of and love their father/grandfather.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Funeral Details

In his 95th year. Predeceased by his wife Clare, his parents James & Julia, brother Billy, sisters Eve and Stephanie and grandson Ronan. Paddy will be sadly missed by his family sons Paddy, Lorcan and Tommy, daughters-in-law Breda and Mary and grandchildren Padraig, James, Sarah, Tomas, Sinead, Niall and great-grandchildren Odhran and Cillian.

May He Rest In Peace

With regret a private Funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for Paddy's family in the ‘Condolences’ section below.

Funeral Cortege leaving residence at 11:30am for Funeral Mass at 12noon on Friday in the Church of the Assumption, Kiltale. Paddy's Funeral Mass can be viewed on moynalvey kiltale parish facebook page.

Tweet

Most Read Stories