'Unwavering commitment': US city park named in memory of Longford man Ken Kelly

On Tuesday last I received a message from Mark McGann, son of Patricia and the late Harry McGann, Ballyleague, informing me that he was on his way to the official opening of the recently renovated park in the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. 

Kenneth (Ken) Kelly, son of Kathleen and the late Tommy Kelly, Carraroe left Lanesboro for a future in the US and it was in Somerville that he settled with his wife Kim and built up a number of businesses. He quickly built up a respected reputation as a leader of a number of businesses in the city.

In 2014 Ken received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. 

Ken was a young man who had achieved so much in his all too short life before his death took place in December 2015. 

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He was always a forward thinking and creative man and from our conversations he had many more ideas and plans for his adopted city.

In a reference to Ken it was said his commitment to Somerville “is one of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community”.

Ken’s name lives long in Somerville and the official opening of the park in his name and his honour ensures that he will be remembered for ever more. 

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Lanesboro/Ballyleague was represented by Mark and his lifelong friend and President of the Camogie Association Brian Molloy.

Pictured in the photograph taken by Mark McGann at the official cutting of the tape and the opening of the Ken Kelly Park are Ken’s wife Kim, Mayor of Somerville Katjana Ballantyne, Brian Molloy, Alan Kelly, Ken’s brother, and beside Alan is Ken’s son Michael.  

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