Heartfelt tributes are being paid to Clare’s longest serving politician, the likes of whom its claimed will never be seen again.
Lissycasey Fianna Fáil veteran PJ Kelly passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning after having given 50 years of service to his constituents and Clare County Council.
The voice of iconic former Cllr PJ Kelly there, speaking to Clare FM about controversial amendments to the county development plan, an issue which was particularly close to his heart for the restrictions it placed on housing in rural areas.
After graduating from St.Patrick’s College in Drumcondra, Kelly would go on teach at Lisheen National School in Ballynacally for 17 years , before a twenty year stint as a secondary school teacher in Kilmihil.
It wasn’t long before the teacher became the master of Clare County Council, when Kelly was elected Mayor of Clare in 1997.
He was also to the forefront of community matters though, PJ was one of the founding members of Lissycasey GAA Club in 1962 and served as the club’s first secretary in the same year.
On Saturday evening, there was a minute’s silence held at the meeting of Lissycasey and Kildysart in the Clare Senior Football Championship and before throw-in, clubman Seamus Hayes paid tribute to Kelly’s stellar contribution to the region.
First elected to Clare County Council in 1974, PJ Kelly would go on to contest nine successful elections and serve alongside 109 councillors throughout his career.
Kelly has been described in recent days as a West Clare warrior who fought steadfastly against rural population decline, while his former colleagues have also recalled his colourful character, extensive knowledge of planning and iconic one liners in the council chamber, which never failed to grab the attention of reporters.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan sat beside Kelly on the Fianna Fáil bench for ten years in Arás Chontae An Chláir and recalled one of his most memorable moments when Cllr Kelly referenced planning legislation being dictated to the local authority by civil servants, stating “This is North Munster not North Korea”.
Away from politics, Kelly was well known for his passion and knowledge for horses and unique talent to divine for water, in 2007 he even memorably won best accessory for his JR Dallas style hat at the 2007 Dublin Horseshow at the RDS.
Kelly though has also been heralded for his devout commitment to his family and for securing unprecedented investment in the village he often coined as “the disadvantaged area” Lissycasey.
Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe served alongside PJ Kelly for fifteen years in Clare County Council and says was he a great friend, mentor and character to all, the likes of which will never be seen again.
Former Councillor PJ Kelly will be laid to rest in Lissycasey Cemetery on Wednesday, following funeral mass in Our Lady of the Wayside Church at 12 noon.
May he rest in peace.
