Legendary Offaly hurler Joachim Kelly has been inducted into the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame.

A special presentation was made to the Lusmagh clubman by Leinster GAA chairman Derek Kent at last Sunday’s Leinster SHC final in Croke Park. Joachim’s induction is a fitting recognition of an Offaly great who won two All-Ireland Senior hurling medals, seven Leinster Senior medals, and a National Hurling League title during a 19-year career. A consistent and tireless midfielder, he was central to Offaly’s breakthrough in the 1980 Leinster final and their All-Ireland victories in 1981 and 1985, earning All-Star awards in 1980 and 1984.

Also an Offaly Hurling Hall of Fame inductee, Joachim made a record 171 senior appearances (46 Championship, 125 League), more than any other Offaly hurler, and was a cornerstone of the Lusmagh club, winning Senior and Junior county medals. His rise began early, starring in the 1973 All-Ireland ‘B’ Colleges win and helping Lusmagh to their first Junior title weeks before turning 18, scoring 3-1 in the final.

Joachim debuted for Offaly in 1974 and won an interprovincial medal with Leinster in the 1979 Railway Cup. Throughout the 1980s, he held his own against elite midfielders like Frank Cummins, Ger Fennelly and George O’Connor.

In 2024, Joachim faced his toughest battle yet with a diagnosis of leukaemia. True to form, he met it with courage and determination, returning to health in what he regards as his greatest victory.

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