Our flag hangs at half mast at this sad time

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Christy Kelly, a stalwart of the GAA community in Athboy.

Christy began his GAA career in the late 1940s at underage, lining out in both hurling & football for Athboy. He was part of the minor teams in both codes who were very strong in the county. In 1952 he was part of the minor football team who were beaten in the County final by De La Salle Navan.

In the late 1940’s Athboy were an ageing team and a separate hurling team was formed in Gillstown of which Christy was part of. The team played for a few years and joined back with Athboy in 1955. The team progressed to the senior ranks as there was no Intermediate grade at the time. Christy played in the forwards, he was an exceptional free scoring forward which was crucial to the winning of any game. Trim dominated the Senior Championship for several years and the O’Growney Athboy team with Christy’s help came close on several occasions. In 1957 Christy won a Junior Football medal with Athboy again playing in his forward position, the final was played in 1958. This team also won the Intermediate Football final in 1960 again Christy was instrumental in this game.

Following a breakup in the club in 1962, Christy remained part of the O’Growney Hurling & Football Club, which with Christy’s exceptional skills went on to win the 1st Feis Cup in 1964, playing along with his cousins Joe, Billy & Mickey McGovern. The club went on to win further Feis Cup’s and 3 Senior hurling championship’s in 1966, 1967 & 1968 with Christy playing a key role in all games.

When Christy hung up his boots he took on several roles within the club – selector, underage coaching, & various committee positions and taking over as Club Chairman from Larry ‘The Lag’ Mitchell. During this time Christy oversaw the development of the fence enclosing the pitch and the building of the existing dressings rooms, an achievement he was very proud of especially as he was able to put his own carpentry skills to work. Christy also helped out with the running of the weekly bingo & several fundraisers over the years.

Christy was involved in the underage structure in the club for years, he took exceptional pride in watching his sons playing for both Club & County at the highest levels. In later years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren following his footsteps playing for Clann na nGael & Kildalkey.

The club has lost a true gentleman who gave a huge amount to the GAA in Athboy. He was a joy to be with, his quick wit & humour both on & off the pitch will remain with all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Our deepest Sympathy to the Kelly Family, his wife Teesie, his children Marie, Christy, June, Annette, Richard and Martin , his Daughters in Law, Sons in Law, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren & extended family

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam

 

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