I was born in 1944 with a caul, in folklore such babies are believed to be born with a lucky lifeline. My dear friend John Flynn (RIP) was also born with a caul and we both believed it to be true for us. For example, I was certainly blessed to have John as my friend and colleague down the years.

 

I was named after my Great Grandfather, Patrick Kelly. Patrick spent 5 years in Mountjoy Prison for supporting the efforts of Michael Davitt and the Land League which you can read more about my clicking on this name / on the FAMILY section of the website. 

​

3rd of 8 brothers, we lived in a small family farm in the townland of Protestant Lane, near Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Loais. We were one of two Catholic families living on the Lane. Living on a farm with 7 brothers involved a very predictable routine; rising early every morning to milk the cows and look after pigs, chicken's and hens. But we Kellys’ were no farmers!

 

My father Christopher spent most of his time in Dublin working in his building company, along with his brothers. He became ill with early onset Multiple Sclerosis and soon had to retire back home. My memory of those years is tinged with sadness as I watched my father’s life close down, but it also taught me how a person can accept the constraints that come with illness and maintain joy and positivity. His illness also had a big impact on my Mother who had spent her life raring us in Abbeyleix with the dream of moving to Dublin in her future. My father was unable to fulfill this dream for her and I became the person who eventually led that move for our fmaily almost a decade later in 1967.  

​

I finished school at 16 and became involved along with my brothers in our construction business C Kelly & Sons which we named in honour of our father despite his illness restricting him from ever working within the business. I still hear my father's voice reminding me and my brothers "Don't be a Whelan's Pony". This archetypal story was based on a local pony who was a prize winner in all the events in Laois but who couldn't perform when he competed outside his county. My father's advice stuck with me and motivated me. Indeed, I am known for sharing this advice with many others over the years! 

​

It wasn't all work work work for us Kelly brothers, we were active participators in our community in both sports and music. I played hurling, and was the singer in our band "The Black Knights"! I must confess I wasn't a great singer but I thought I looked the part!!!. I still smile when a friend Constance Campion reminds me, she actually auditioned with us to become a band member! 

​

The Black Knights led to the most successful journey in my life, we were booked to play at an event in the Gresham Hotel, which Maureen was attending. I spotted her across the room and as I approached her, I said "Can I sit bedside you?" I had met the love of my life and to later marry and have the shared joy of having 4 wonderful children I am forever grateful. I often repeat that very first sentence to Maureen and I thank our children Emma, Simon, Christopher and John for selecting us as parents, and for the sharing of this chapter of their soul’s journey.

​