THE London Irish community is mourning the loss of GAA stalwart Kevin Kelly.
The Offaly-born man, who died on March 24, had been battling cancer after being diagnosed with a Grade 4 aggressive brain tumour last year.
Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Kevin Kelly RIP @LONDAINGAA a great friend to all Offaly visitors to London @Clara_gaa_club
— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) March 24, 2018
The Clara native underwent major brain surgery, but unfortunately, not all of the tumour was able to be removed.
It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Kevin Kelly, a native of Co Offaly. A stalwart of the Emerald grounds in Ruislip and the Heston Gaels club, he passed after battling illness. Sincere condolences to his family, May he rest in Peace.
— Tir Chonaill Gaels (@TirChonailGaels) March 24, 2018
Tir Chonaill Gaels described Mr Kelly as a 'stalwart of the Emerald grounds in Ruislip and the Heston Gaels club'.
"Kevin was a well-respected member of the Irish community in London," the club said on Twitter.
He was also a trustee of Safe Start Foundation Charity.
Kevin pictured last year with friends from the Safe Start Foundation, Andy Rogers, Mahesh Singadia and Jean Coffey (Picture: Malcolm McNally)Mr Kelly hda worked with the Irish in London for the past 25 years and had always given his utmost to help anybody in need, raising thousands of pounds for charities that help vulnerable people.
Sad to hear of the passing of @LONDAINGAA legend Kevin Kelly a welcome face in Ruislip over the years and a proud @Offaly_GAA and Clara man. He will be sorely missed. RIP #GAABEO
— Cóilín Duffy (@coilinduffy) March 24, 2018
Kevin Kelly pictured with his partner Helen O'Brien and his mother Theresa last year. (Picture: Malcolm McNally)Last year a special appreciation evening was held by friends to raise some money to help Kevin and his family with the financial implications of his battle with cancer.
Funeral details
Kevin will be lying in repose at Ryan Patrick and Daughter Funeral Home in Greenford, London on Thursday, April 5 from 9am until 12 noon. Removal to Our Lady Of The Visitation Church, Greenford at 3pm.
He will make his final journey home and will be reposing at Phil O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore on Friday, April 6 from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. Private removal on Saturday morning to St. Brigid's Church, Clara arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am.
Burial afterwards in the Monastery Cemetery, Clara.
Family flowers only donations, if desired, in the name of Kevin Kelly to Meadow House Hospice in Ealing, London, Headcase Cancer Trust and The Simon Community.
His family said in a statement: "This legend knew how to party so we won’t be changing that now. For all of you joining us in London celebrations will continue in the GAA Club, Ruislip from 4.15pm and for everybody in Ireland we will be bringing the legend back to where it all began Hugh Lynch’s Bar, Tullamore."
