There is sadness in the Courtwood area and its surrounds this weekend with the news of the passing of Liam Kelly, a highly-respected member of the community.
Mr Kelly was aged in his early 90s and made a huge contribution to local life over a long number of years.
As well as being a founding member of the Courtwood GAA club in 1962, he also served as chairman on three different occasions.
Prior to the formation of the modern version of the Courtwood club, he won a senior championship with Annanough in 1956.
A long-time political observer he was a loyal Fine Gael supporter, aiding Oliver J Flanagan at grassroots level over the years and later his son Charlie. Indeed in recent years, Liam’s son PJ was a Fine Gael councillor for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
A farmer, he was also a skilled song-writer, penning various ballads, particularly in support of Laois and Courtwood teams over the years.
Liam passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a short illness on the 10th January, under the wonderful care of the Laois Specialist Palliative Care Team and his carer Mary.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Ann, sisters Maureen, Kathleen and Ann, infant brother Martin and daughter-in-law Nora.
A much loved father of Bernard, Liam, George (Kevin), Ann Marie, P.J., Madeleine and Geraldine.
Deeply regretted by his loving family, sister-in-law Cathy, daughters-in-law Betty, Margaret, May and Valerie, sons-in-law Martin and Paddy, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Liam is reposing at his daughter Geraldine’s residence in Bellgrove, Ballybrittas (eircode R32 H2P0) on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm with Rosary on both evenings at 8pm.
Removal on Monday morning at 11:20am arriving The Sacred Heart Church, Rath (R32 FN44) for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to The New Cemetery Emo.
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