Peter Kelly

Who was Peter Kelly?

Peter Kelly was President of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

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 - who asked Bishop Patrick Duggan to become the patron of the nascent G.A.A.. He declined citing his poor health, suggesting instead Archbishop Thomas Croke of Cashel. Kelly attended the foundationn 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. He succeeded E.M. Bennett as President of the G.A.A. in January 1889; he served three times in all.

He was a well-known member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

A native of Loughrea, Co. Galway, the only full-time farmer to hold the GAA's top Post. Involved in GAA affairs from the start of the Association, a Fenian who succeeded Davin on the latter's second resignation at the second Fenian takeover at the 1889 convention. Did much to keep the Association alive during its weakest period during and after the Parnell split. At his death had been for some years chairman of Loughrea district council and a member of Galway county council