Jarlath Kelly

Jarlath Kelly was born on June 6, 1966, on the feast of Saint Jarlath. A son to Austin and Mary and a brother to Brendan.  He attended Brackloon School and went to the Community School for a few years.  When he left school he helped Austin on the farm.  He also worked on various projects with FAS.  Sadly his mother passed away in 1987 when Jarlath was just 21.  His brother Brendan left the farm to seek work in England and Jarlath’s relationship with Austin grew even stronger to the point where they were both always right and neither of them were ever wrong.  

When Austin’s health began to fail, Jarlath took on the role of caring for him which he did with dignity kindness and love.   Being the sole carer for Austin, Jarlath blossomed in communication with neighbours as he accepted and sought assistance.  Sadly Austin passed away in June 2000 but with the comfort and knowledge of knowing that Brendan and his family were shortly to return to Derrynacong and would be there to support and assist Jarlath.

Jarlath was always willing and ready to help Brendan on the farm 100 per cent.  Jarlath was a strong man and would  test any tool, particularly any handle.  Not many men could go through so many sledgehammers and shovels as did Jarlath.  In recent times Jarlath has been of exceptional help to his nephew Joseph in looking after his sheep while he was at school. Yes Jarlath was always ready to help, but they knew not to call him before he had eaten his breakfast.   

Joseph was just five years  old when Brendan and the family came home and Jarlath bonded so closely with the children that it could be said that Jarlath and Joseph were like “Me and my shadow”.

Jarlath will be fondly remembered for the daily trips to town on the bike regardless of weather, but when he was walking, which was a regular occurrence, kind neighbours would gladly give him a lift knowing that the poor unfortunate bike has suffered a puncture or broken pedal.

So many people have fond memories of Jarlath and humorous incidents to relate.  One particular incident would be when Austin was visiting at neighbours and he told them he did not know what to do with Jarlath because he hadn’t been to Mass for a while. They  kindly offered to have a word with Jarlath and told him that the Parish Priest noticed he had not been attending and that he might call to the house.  Nothing more was thought of it until the following Sunday when the priest was giving the sermon and all heads were turned to the sound of the ‘squeak squeak’ of rubber boots, coming up the centre aisle. Jarlath had taken on board what they said and not only gone to Mass but even sat in the front seat.

 Jarlath had a keen interest in sport and in particular the Liverpool and the Mayo teams.  What many people did not know was that Jarlath had a thorough knowledge of soccer, Gaelic and rugby. He would scan the daily papers to see which one gave the best coverage, before he would buy.  He may not initiate a conversation but would certainly outspeak  any commentator given  half the chance. He was a man of strong opinions.

Over the last number of years when Brendan suffered serious health issues, Jarlath took on the role of taking care of the farm and cattle.  Nothing was too much trouble and his willingness and support to Brendan, Julia, Jessica and Joseph will never be forgotten and without him the family would not have coped so well during their difficult time. Brendan would like to take this opportunity of publicly acknowledging his gratitude to Jarlath.

Jarlath Kelly was a quiet and reserved character who enjoyed his own company.  People who knew him recognised him as the kind, caring and gentle individual that he was.   He had his own routine and lived the life that he wanted.  You could not change Jarlath… Jarlath was  Jarlath. He is sadly missed.

May he rest in the eternal peace of the Lord.