Mayo communities heartbroken over tragic death of a GAA club legend

The death of James Kelly, Derryhick, Parke, and Moyhenna, Breaffy, Castlebar, has cast of cloud of sadness and sorrow over the community.

In his 44th year, he died following an accident.

He is 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.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.

In a tribute to the deceased, Parke Kellogues Crimlin GAA Club stated: "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 1990s 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. He would go on to carve out a career as one of the deadliest corner forwards we'd ever seen.

"When James got the ball in his hands, his first thought was goal and time and time again his goals saved us when all hope was lost. He was supremely confident, no matter what the opposition James believed we could win.

"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 3 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.

"Over the past three Christmases the club has held a Pride of the Parish tournament for the Jimmy McHugh Cup. James took great pride in managing and togging out for Keelogues each of those years.

"It didn't go well the first year and even his deadly left peg couldn't prevent his hot favourites Keelogues from picking up the wooden spoon that year but James, ever the competitor, pulled out all the stops the following year to make sure Keelogues claimed the cup in 2024.

"The word legend is used all too frequently these days but James Kelly was a true Parke Keelogues Crimlin G.A.A 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.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the love of his life Sandra, his heartbroken parents Paudie and Mary, brothers Noel, David and Padraic, sisters Linda and Ann-Marie, nieces and nephews, all the extended Kelly and Dempsey families, neighbours, work colleagues at Mayo County Council and his many, many friends.

"Over the coming days we as a club will do our very best to honour James's life and legacy as we come together to guide him to his eternal home."

James will repose in Coady’s Funeral home, Castlebar, on Thursday from 5 p.m. with removal at 8 p.m. to his parent's residence, Moyhenna, Breaffy.

Removal from his parents residence on Friday morning at 11.30 a.m. for Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. in Holy Family Church, Parke, followed by burial in Keelogues Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.