Career
He was a Teachta Dála (Territorial Decoration) from 2002 to 2011. A funeral director and publican, Kelly was first elected to Dáil Éireann for the Longford–Roscommon constituency at the 2002 general election. He was re-elected at the 2007 general election for the new Longford–Westmeath constituency.
He lost his seat at the 2011 general election.