There is great sadness among sporting circles today following the passing of soccer legend, Dessie Kelly.
Mr Kelly, of Knocknamona Park, passed away this afternoon at the age of 79.
His legacy lies in the promotion of the game he loved and he played numerous roles in Letterkenny Rovers and in youth football.
Dessie was a founding member of Letterkenny Rovers in 1962 and was a player, manager, groundsman, fundraiser and administrator.
As a manager, he led the club to historic back to back Donegal League titles along with Liam Blake in the 1980/81 and 1981/82 seasons.
He had only recently stepped down from the position at the club’s AGM in March having served as chairman for 25 years.
“To many in the county, he was simply known as ‘Mr Football’. He was a titan of Donegal football,” said a tribute from Letterkenny Rovers FC.
As well as being a life long member of Letterkenny Rovers and chairman for over two decades, Dessie had been a dedicated and committed administrator across so many league organisations over the years.
He served as a long-time secretary of the Donegal Junior League and the Ulster Senior League while he also held various roles in the Donegal Women’s League, the Donegal Youth League, the Donegal Schoolboys League and the Letterkenny & District Schoolboys League over many decades. He was also secretary of the Ulster Football Association. In 2022 he received his award for honorary life membership of the FAI.
“An integral part of our club’s history, he was a valued friend to us all and he will be greatly missed,” the Letterkenny Rovers tribute continued.
“In what proved to be the final match he attended, Dessie presented the senior team with the Brian McCormick Sports Cup at Diamond Park, Ballyare only last month. It was a fitting way for him to bow out.”
A tribute from the Donegal Underage League added: “Dessie dedicated so much of his time to game he loved.
“Dessie held many notable roles within the football world. He was sitting treasurer on the executive of Donegal Underage League.”
Condolences have been shared from far and wide to Mr Kelly’s wife Annette and all the Kelly family at this sad time.
As a mark of respect, all D.U.L squad activities will be stood down with immediate effect and the Letterkenny Rovers Bingo and all Club activities tonight are cancelled.
May he Rest in Peace
