Background
Kelly was born in Cree, County Clare, and learned to play when he was young.
Kelly was born in Cree, County Clare, and learned to play when he was young.
His youth were the heyday of the American Wakes and the house dances. His style was influenced by the Kerry fiddler George Whelan (also the mentor of his father) and Danny Mescal. Both acted as his teachers and mentors.
Patrick Kelly was the only child of Tim Kelly and Maria Killeen (1863–1951).
Around 1930, Kelly married Margaret "Dilly" Golden from Cree. They had seven children.