Mayo GAA club pays tribute to popular figure following his passing

Parke Keelogues Crimlin GAA club have paid tribute to one of their clubmates who passed away in recent days. James Kelly of Derryhick, Parke and Moyhenna, Breaffy, Castlebar passed away after an accident while in his 44th year.

A Mayo County Council employee, James was a popular person who was socially active in the West Mayo community. A keen Darts player, James captained the Turlough Inn team while he was also a long-time member in the Castlebar Town Darts league.

In a social media post, the Parke club posted the following statement: “We as a club are all heartbroken and devastated beyond words following the passing of our dear clubmate and friend James Kelly who passed away following a tragic accident over the weekend. A profound sadness exists in our area and beyond leaving us all in a state of numbness and struggling to comprehend what is after happening. James was everything you would want in a club mate. He epitomised the word dedication. He had a win at all costs attitude, loved the battle and gave so freely of his time be it playing, coaching or helping out with club events.

“James started his underage career in the early 90's and played at every grade all the way up to senior, winning numerous West Mayo and county titles along the way. He has been associated with our junior team since way back in 1998, the year we reformed the team, starting off as a shy 16 year old with a deadly left boot. He picked up a West Mayo Junior B winners medal that year and came on in a county final loss to Claremorris scoring a classy point.

“When his playing days were nearing the end he took over as manager, and a successful one too, winning many titles from West Mayo finals to county Junior B titles. He contributed so much to the progression of lads from our junior team up to the senior ranks over the years, bringing them on and making them better players. Not only was he involved with our junior team but he helped out as selector with his great friend Frank McHale over the senior team, winning a county title in 2010 and helping the team progress to three intermediate semi finals in the following years.

“The celebrations after that win in 2010 were legendary and James enjoyed being front and centre to all of them. He loved the social scene in the club after games, always having the craic and banter with the lads. You were guaranteed a good night if James was in your company. He was a quick wit and great storyteller.

“The word legend is used all too frequently these days but James Kelly was a true Parke Keelogues Crimlin GAA legend and will leave behind a huge void in our club one that we will never be able to fill. He was loved by everyone here at the club that he played such a huge part in and we will miss him terribly.”

James will be sadly missed by his heartbroken Fiancé Sandra (Dempsey), step-son Aaron and his partner Chloe, parents Paudi and Mary, sisters Linda (Reilly) and Ann-Marie (Connor), brothers Padraic, Noel and David, brothers-in-law Paul (Reilly) and Richard (Connor), sisters-in-law Marie Kelly (Mc Hugh) and Amanda (Kelly), adored nephews and nieces godson Darragh, Evan, Cillian, Shane, Lexie, Jess, Ella and Abbie, Sandra’s parents Donald and Marrion and family, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

James will repose in Coady’s Funeral home, Castlebar, F23 XY63, on Thursday September 17 from 5pm with removal at 8pm to his parents residence, Moyhenna, Breaffy, F23 TW56.

Removal from his parents residence on Friday morning at 11.30 a.m. (house private please) for Requiem Mass at 1pm in Holy Family Church, Parke followed by burial afterwards in Keelogues Cemetery (via his family home).