This week the sudden passing of our former colleague Damien Kelly came as a shock to all of us associated with St. Joseph’s FC and the wider community.  Words cannot begin to sum up the immense sense of loss each and every one of us at St. Joseph’s FC are currently feeling at present.  Damien or “DAMO” as he was affectionately known to all who knew him was one of life’s true gentlemen.  Damien possessed so many wonderful attributes and all who knew him or worked alongside him will testify to this.

 

It is an understatement to say that the contribution that Damien made to St. Joseph’s Football Club was remarkable and It would be remis of us as a Club not to acknowledge the outstanding contribution Damien made to our club.

 

Damien served our club for many years as both a coach to many of our underage soccer teams down through the years to serving on the executive committee as club Chairperson. Damien was most generous with the time and dedicated service he gave to our club in all these roles.  He loved sports and took great pleasure in working with players both young and old.  He was a valuable and highly respected member of the club and was held in high regard by all.

 

On a personal level, Damien was most generous over many years with financial sponsorship to our club and indeed many other local sporting clubs and organisations in the local and wider community and for this we as a club are most grateful.  His commitment and dedication to our club knew no bounds. He later went on to coach and serve as a committee member with Monksland Utd where he was also revered.

 

As a coach and manager of our club teams  he was a leader both on and off the pitch.  The young players he worked with will testify to his kind manner in which he worked and developed them as young players.  He had a lovely way in dealing with players and imparted his football knowledge and expertise in a most subtle manner. DAMO had a profound and  positive impact on all the players he worked with. 

Damien’s sons Charlie and Andrew both played with St. Joseph’s at underage level and epitomised all the wonderful characteristics and personal attributes which DAMO possessed. The Kelly connection with St. Joseph’s continues as Damien’s nephew Jesse Kelly is currently playing with our u10 team.

 

On behalf of everyone associated with St. Joseph’s FC, from players, parents, coaches and executive committee members I want to pass on our deepest condolences to the Kelly and Shine families and extended family members on Damien’s passing.

 

Damien’s memory will live on forever and as a club we will endeavour to honour his memory and ensure that the legacy he has left will always be remembered by all connected with our football club.   

 

“Ar dheis de go raibh a anam”

  

Yours Sincerely,                                                                                       

 

Conor Foley                                                  

St. Joseph’s FC Chairperson