Pádraig ‘Dandy’ Kelly, one of Galway’s long-serving players of the 1980s, sadly passed away in November 2001.
Kelly won 5 Connacht SFC medals during his inter-county career (1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987).
Kelly’s record in Connacht SFC finals
- 1982: Galway 3-17 Mayo 0-10
- 1983: Galway 1-13 Mayo 1-10
- 1984: Galway 2-13 Mayo 2-09
- 1986: Galway 1-08 Roscommon 1-05
- 1987: Galway 0-08 Mayo 0-07
During his career, while Galway were dominating in Connacht, they were unlucky outside the province, losing 4 All-Ireland semi-finals & 1 All-Ireland SFC Final during his inter-county career.
- 1982 lost semi-final to Offaly, 1-12 to 1-11
- 1983 lost All-Ireland final to Dublin, 1-10 to 1-08
- 1984 lost semi-final to Kerry, 2-17 to 0-11
- 1986 lost semi-final to Tyrone, 1-12 to 1-09
- 1987 lost semi-final to Cork, after a replay.
- Drew 1-11 apiece, before Cork prevailed 0-18 to 1-04 in the replay.
The sudden and untimely death of Pádraig Kelly on 17th November 2001 was one of the saddest days in Maigh Cuilinn GAA club’s long history. Pádraig was a well-respected teacher, an outstanding footballer and an all-round sportsman. His dedication to the club as a player and as secretary was exemplary. He played for Galway in all grades and gave sterling service to the county.
Pádraig’s sons Sean & Paul have followed in his footsteps, by wearing the Maroon & White of Galway, while Eoin is also a member of the Maigh Cuilinn panel. They have also enjoyed considerable success on the basketball court.
