On 27th May 1973 Saval and Burren were playing in the Senior Football Championship in Pairc Chluain Daimh and Downpatrick referee Brendan Kelly, (inset) popularly known as ‘B’ was the man in the middle. During the second half of the game ‘B’ tragically collapsed and died at Pairc Chluain Daimh, whilst still in his prime.
On Wednesday 26th May 2010, the late Brendan’s family, pictured above, attended the Clonduff Club to present Clonduff with a framed photograph and citation in memory of their late father and grandfather. The Kelly Family’s tribute to one of Down’s true Gaels will hang in a place of honour in Ceannarás Chluain Daimh
B loved all thing Irish including Hurling, Football, Ceili Dancing and of course, Refereeing. He was a founding member of the Russell Gaelic Union in Downpatrick and when the Down All County League was inaugurated in 1950, he played on the historic Downpatrick team that won that first ever league title.
To quote from the citation “B lived and died for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’. Go ndeana Dia trochaire ar do anam dilis.
