Career
Kelly was a native of Killeenadeema, Loughrea. He and a number of other men from the area - William J. Duffy, John P. McCarthy, John Sweeney, Loughrea. Michael Glennon, Kilchreest - asked Bishop Patrick Duggan to become the patron of the nascent Gaelic Athletic Association. Duggan declined citing his poor health, suggesting instead Archbishop Thomas Croke of Cashel.
Kelly attended the foundation of the association at Thurles in November 1884.
He served as umpire during the Loughrea hurling tournament of 1887, which was attended by over three thousand people.