Jimmy Kelly 1

The late Jimmy Kelly

Jimmy receiving his clubman of the year award at the 2007 dinner dance from guest of honour Tommy McGovern

30 July 2007

It is with deepest regrets that Glaschu Gaels GFC has to announce the passing away of Jimmy Kelly.

Jimmy’s father was a native of Glenarm, County Antrim, and, as a result, Jimmy was steeped in the traditions of the GAA and his enthusiasm saw him at the forefront of the GAA in Scotland, be it as a player or, later in his life, as an administrator and officer of the highest order.

Jimmy had been involved in the Scottish GAA club scene for quite some time, helping to form and run Glencovitt Rovers in 1991 before helping to form Glaschu Gaels GFC in 1999.

Jimmy’s time with Glencovitt spanned nearly a decade as he sought to keep a club going against all the odds. With the club operating out of Clydebank, Jimmy sought to give the club a real community base with the club using many locally based players, including himself! However, with the loss of training and playing facilities due to local government cutbacks, coupled with a severe lack of sponsorship, Jimmy and his colleagues had to admit defeat in keeping Glencovitt alive.

However, Jimmy’s involvement in the GAA would not cease and he became one of the founding members of Glaschu Gaels GFC when the club was formed in 1999. With Glencovitt and Paisley both facing extinction, Jimmy was instrumental in both clubs amalgamating to form Glaschu. Along with Michael Hollinger, Charlie McCluskey and Paul Gallagher, Jimmy was instrumental in turning Glaschu Gaels into the force they are today. He served various positions within the club, including chairman and secretary and his devotion to club knew no bounds, always attending games and supporting the club he loved. At the most recent club dinner dance, Jimmy was awarded Clubman of the year for all his work and devotion to the club. More recently he helped set up and run the first underage set up in Glaschu Gaels’ history, helping to coach under-13’s in Gaelic football which will surely give the Gaels a basis on which will give the club a great basis on which to build upon.

Jimmy was also Chairman of the Scotland County board, a position which he held with great distinction and integrity.

During his tenure as County Chair, his leadership was immense. He always represented Scotland with immeasurable pride at congress and always made sure that the interests of Scotland would be heard and valued. He also stressed the need for unity at home and consistently advocated the necessity for all clubs to pull together in order to ensure the survival and strength of the GAA in Scotland.

Jimmy was a true gael and a devoted servant of the association. He always strived to push forward his club and county while making sure the collective strength of the association in Scotland was always highlighted and valued. He is mourned by his family, particularly his wife Angela, other relatives and friends in many parts of Ireland and Scotland (and beyond), all of whom will miss his friendship and advice.

Further details of his funeral mass will be put on the Glaschu Gaels GFC website – www.glaschugaels.com and on the hoganstand uk message board as well as other local publications.

May he rest in peace.