Grangebellew’s Kelly family were freedom fighters
May 1967 THE death which took place at St. Mary’s Hospital, Drogheda, of Mr. James Kelly, Grangebellew, Dunleer, aged 76, removes yet another from the rapidly thinning band of gallant freedom fighters of half a century ago.
A well known and deeply respected figure in the midLouth area, and indeed known throughout the County, Mr. Kelly, a member of a family with a proud record of national service, had been in ailing health for some time, and recently underwent a severe surgical operation in Dundalk.
Having joined the Volunteers in 1914, he was Captain, “B” Coy, 2nd Batt., 4th Northern Division Old I.R.A., and took part in the Easter Rising. Later, his political persuasion—which he sincerely held throughout his life—led him to the inside of Wakefleld and Frongach prisons; also Belfast, where, after going on a hunger strike, he was transferred to Ballykindler camp. On the signing of the treaty, he was released, but during the Civil War, he found himself jailed again, this time for anti-treaty activities. During this period he underwent a 30 days’ hunger strike in Dundalk.
Jimmy Kelly was a man of dauntless courage, and much ability, and the countryside in and around Grangebellew won’t be the same without him.
A well read man, he was capable of commenting in verse on almost anything, and from time to time, examples of his versatility were to be found in the columns’ of the local press.
To his widow, Mrs. Mary Kelly, sympathy is extended; also to his brother, Tommy (Grangebellew) who soldiered along with him; and sister, Miss Brigid Kelly, Drogheda (prominently identified too with the War of Independence) ; his nephews. Tom, Paddy, Jimmy Joe, John. Noel and Kevin, Thomas Munster, Chord Road, Drogheda; Sean Munster, Clones; and nieces. Brigid (Mrs. Rankin, Maura (Mrs Allen): Imelda (Mrs. Boyle) and Ann (Mrs. Dunne), Mrs. Burgess, Drimnagh, Dublin; ; Mrs. Kevin Murphy, Grangebellew; and Mrs. M. Caulfleld, Chord Road.
The remains were removed Skegmore Church, and the funeral with full militarv honours was to Dysart Cemetery.
Among telegrams received by the family on tho death of Mr. James Kelly, were from Mr. Alken, An Tanaiste and Minister for External Affairs; Mr. Michael Hilliard, Minister for Defence, and Mr. Seamus Layng, Co. Galway, a former schoolteacher in Dunleer area, and a life-long friend Of the deceased’s.