Pádraig Ó Ceallaigh RIP

Paddy Kelly, (Pádraig Ó Ceallaigh to his many friends in Comhaltas) passed away peacefully on the 18th February 2025.

A proud Clare man, he never forgot where he came from and made frequent trips down through the years to the home and neighbours he left behind in his beloved Lisseycasey.

He moved to Dublin as a young tradesman and worked hard to create a very successful building business, setteling down in the Blackrock area with his wife, the late Mae Smith, where they raised their five children Seán, Fiona, Pádraig, Fiachra and the late Gráinne.

Visitors to the Cultúrlann, the Comhaltas Headquarters in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, especially those from Clare, could always be sure of a warm céad míle fáilte from Pádraig, and he always loved to hear the latest news of the goings on in the Banner County.

Pádraig was a fine melodeon player with an extraordinary understanding of music which he passed on to all of his children, but it was his tireless work for Comhaltas, over his lifetime, bringing him all over Ireland and overseas, that earned the admiration and respect of all who were fortunate enough to meet him.

He was elected National President of Comhaltas in 1994, serving a three year term, and he was later appointed a National Trustee, a position he held until his death.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family and extended family, his neighbours and many friends in Dublin and in his home place of Lisseycasey. He will be greatly missed also by his countless friends in Comhaltas throughout Ireland and abroad, the organisation that played such a huge part in Pádraig’s life.

Solas na bhFlaitheas d'á anam dhílis agus leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige.

Frank Whelan