Much sadness at death of former Donegal county footballer and garda sergeant

A cherished family man and a former garda who had a great understanding of people’s struggles.

That is how the late retired Garda Sergeant Liam Kelly was described at his Funeral Mass in St Agatha’s Church, Clar on Tuesday. 

Mr Kelly passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed by his wife Celine, daughters Emma-Jane and Rhona-Anne, sons-in-law Martin and Declan, and grandchildren Declan, Luke, Megan, Liam (Oggi) and Emily.

Rev Niall Coll told mourners at the Funeral Mass: “Though he had been ill for some time, his death still came as a surprise to his daughters, to his grandchildren, to the wider family circle. 

“In the midst of that pain we express our gratitude to God for the life of a good man, a guard blessed with a good understanding of people and the struggles that people face in life.

Rev Coll described Mr Kelly as a man loved and cherished by family and friends, and appreciated by all who knew him for his character, his positive outlook on life, his droll sense of humour. 

Early Life

Liam Kelly was born in Cruit and brought up in Carrigart. 

Rev Coll told those gathered: “Liam’s father died when he was very young but his farsighted mother encouraged him to join the gardaí. He was stationed in Ballybofey where he met his beloved Celine.”

Other postings included Carrigans, Pettigo and Donegal Town, as well as Ballintra where he served as a sergeant. 

Rev Coll said: “Liam had a long fascination with the sea, fishing, boats and of course, Gaelic Football. And he was a distinguished player at both parish and county level. 

“His meticulous skill in carpentry meant he actually built a couple of his own boats and there is a nice model boat here in the sanctuary.

“And even more poignantly, he built a cot for his daughters that is a great precious family heirloom, having been used for both of them and his five grandchildren to date.”

The priest added that Mr Kelly was sustained throughout his life by a deep sense of faith that he had carried with him from his youth. 

Following the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, Mr Kelly was laid to rest in Clar Cemetery.