Rita Kelly

The death has taken place recently of Rita Kelly, Galway. Rita was a native of Ballintubber.

Blessed with a great love of sport, Rita was a distinguished player with the Ballintubber Camogie club. While she competed in a number of games, there was one game in the mid 1930s between Ballintubber and Aughagower for which press reports named Rita one of the best players. Some of her memories of playing camogie were rekindled when she was interviewed in the Ballintubber Club’s history DVD.

Rita worked for many years in the Civil Service in Dublin before her retirement in Galway. Even though she lived for many years away from her birthplace, she never lost her great love of her native community, and when the opportunity presented itself she returned to Ballintubber, where she loved to rekindle fond friendships. She was strong supporter of the Ballintubber GAA club and was delighted when the club published its book. ‘Face the Ball – Ballintubber’ and when the club’s history DVD was launched. Her funeral took place from Ballintubber Resource Centre to Ballintubber Abbey and after Requiem Mass, she was laid to rest in the local cemetery.  To her sister-in-law, Maura Kelly, and her many other relatives and friends, sincerest sympathies are extended. May her gentle soul rest in peace.