The death has occurred of John Kelly senior, a well-known butcher in Portlaoise for many years.
Mr Kelly, who was in his 90th year, originally worked in Delaney’s Butchers in Market Square in Portlaoise before setting up his own shop.
This was located first on the Borris Road near the back entrance to St Mary’s Hall before later moving to Bridge Street in the town centre where it is still operational today under his son John Kelly junior.
It is one of the town’s longest-running butcher’s shops having been in its current location for 38 years and on the Borris Road for 15 years before that.
Mr Kelly was a huge Park-Ratheniska GAA man, winning senior football titles with the Park club in 1952 and 1953 and a hurling title with Ratheniska in 1958, their first ever triumph in the small ball game. He also served as secretary for Park during that time and later was a very active member of The Heath Golf Club.
John is survived by his wife Margaret and dearly loved father to John, Ray, Zita, Fergal, Orlaith and Olivia.
He is deeply regretted by his loving family, brother William, sisters Josie and Lucy, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Reposing at his residence in Market Square Portlaoise from 4pm on Tuesday with rosary at 8 pm. Removal on Wednesday at 12 noon to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 12.30 noon requiem Mass.
Interment afterwards in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery. House private on Wednesday, please.
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