Willie Kelly, a proud son of Mayo and Kilmeena

by Auld Stock

IT was some time since I met Willie Kelly from Kilmeena so we had a long chat when we bumped into one another in Castlebar.

Willie Kelly is a keen GAA supporter and for many years he was one of the leading referees in the west of Ireland.

When Willie Kelly was in charge of the whistle he had the respect of all, players and supporters, for they knew he was a man of integrity and impartiality

Willie was delighted with Westport’s win in the Mayo county senior football final, a wonderful achievement after many disappointments over the years.

He is also pleased with the success of the Kilmeena GAA team in recent times.

‘They are a fine bunch of young men and are a credit to their parents and all in the parish,’ he said.

I couldn’t agree more with Willie’s words of praise.

My late mother, formerly Bridget Geraghty, came from Cortoon, down the road from Kilmeena, and she and my dad James were married in Myna Church by Fr. Walsh.