Passing of popular and respected solicitor

News of the death of John V (Sean) Kelly caused sadness and regret, not alone to the communities of Redhills and Cavan Town, but much further afield. Sean passed away on Monday, January 30, in his 90th year.

A member of the Kelly family of the public house in Redhills village (now McCaffrey’s), Sean was the second family member to become a solicitor (in 1952), following in the footsteps of his brother Pat. He was apprenticed to Pat, who had a practice at that time in Manorhamilton (he later moved to Sligo).
Sean moved on to work in Dublin, and then abroad, firstly in New York, and on to Toronto before returning to New York from 1956 to 1958. While there, he married Patricia (Patsy) Smith, another Redhills native from Killybandrick. Sean, Patsy and their first-born son Paul moved back to Cavan in 1958. Shortly afterwards he set up the legal firm of John V Kelly and Co at Church Street in Cavan Town. The third generation of Kellys is now in the same solicitors’ practice, with Paul joining in 1979, and in turn Paul’s son Shane joining in 2015 at the offices, which are still in Church Street.
Sean shared the Kelly family’s great love of gaelic football, both as a player and supporter. He played at all levels with his native Redhills, and for a time with Manorhamilton. He was also a great supporter of the Cavan team. When they played in Croke Park, he favoured travelling to support them by train from Edgeworthstown to Drumcondra. A genial person well known to all in the area, Sean likewise kept in touch with all in his native Redhills. Despite advancing age, he hardly ever missed attendance at a local funeral in Killoughter over the years.
Sean was predeceased by his wife Patricia (Patsy). We extend our sincere sympathy to his four sons, four daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and to his extended family, especially to his sister-in-law Deirdre Kelly and her family at Redhills. Sean’s funeral Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim, Cavan last Thursday morning. He was laid to rest in St Brigid’s cemetery, Killoughter, Redhills.
Cavan District Court adjourned for part of the day last Thursday as a mark of respect to the late solicitor and to allow members of the legal profession, the judiciary and district court staff to attend the service.