Athlone GAA pays tribute after passing of former star
Athlone GAA has paid a warm tribute to a former football star with the club, Kevin Kelly, following his death yesterday (Tuesday).
Offering condolences to the family of the late Mr Kelly, Athlone GAA highlighted his achievements of winning senior championship medals both in Westmeath and his native Kildare.
"Kevin was a noted and skilful player with Athlone in the 1970s and early '80s and won three Westmeath Senior Championship medals to add to the six Championships he won with his home club Carbury in his native Kildare," said Athlone GAA.
"Kevin also won an All-Ireland U21 medal with Kildare in what was a glittering playing career. After his retirement from playing, Kevin continued to be actively involved and coached several Athlone underage teams, as well as serving as minor board chairman, while his children also represented our club with distinction.
"We send our deepest sympathies to Kevin’s wife Marie, his daughter Sharon, his sons Ray, Kevin and Alan, his grandchildren, sisters Kate and Ollie, in-laws, relatives and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," the club continued.
Athlone GAA will provide a guard of honour in memory of Kevin after his Requiem Mass at 12pm tomorrow (Thursday) in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan. "Members are welcome to join and represent the club as we pay our respects," the club added.
In recent years, Kevin spent time in Sonas Nursing Home, Athlone, where he was a very popular figure with staff, fellow residents and indeed with visitors. He really enjoyed keeping up to date with events in the sporting world and he was delighted to see children visiting the nursing home.
Kevin's sporting prowess was carried on by members of his family. His son Ray was a talented soccer player and had a spell with Manchester City, going on to play with distinction for Bohemians upon his return to Ireland. Another son, Alan was a noted player for Athlone Town.
Kevin Kelly of Cloghanboy Crescent, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, late of Hillquarter, Coosan, and formerly of Carbury, Co. Kildare, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 17 surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his beloved parents Thomas and Lily, brother Seán, Jim, Tom-Joe, Patsy and Paul and his sister Frances. Kevin will be sadly missed his loving wife Marie, daughter Sharon (Mulkerrins), sons Raymond, Kevin and Alan, sisters Kate and Ollie, son-in-law Enda, daughters-in-law Sandra, Denise and Sharon, his adoring grandchildren Lauren, Cian, Maye, Chloe, Jacob, Amelia, Sophia, Charlotte and Leah, extended family and many friends.
Reposing at Flynn's Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone this evening (Wednesday), December 18 from 6.30pm until 8pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 noon in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery. May Kevin rest in peace.