'Highly respected' retired Superintendent and Cork hurler has passed away

'Highly respected' retired Superintendent and Cork hurler has passed away
Terry Kelly, former Superintendent and Cork hurler who passed away on Monday 25 November.

Tributes have been paid to former Superintendent and Cork centre-field hurler Terry Kelly who passed away yesterday, after a lengthy illness.

Terry, who had seven children, was married to his wife Joan and passed away at the age of 86.

Mr Kelly, who was a young Garda sergeant at the time of JFK’s visit to Cork and served the State in guarding the American president during his time in the Rebel County, was remembered by Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin as a highly respected member of An Garda Siochána.

“I had known Terry for more than 30 years and I can say he was nature’s gentleman. He had a sharp incisive mind and a great raconteur, full of humour and dry wit.”

As well as being a well-respected member of the force, Terry was a fine hurler and played with his local club Tracton as well as Cork’s senior inter-county team in the 1950s and 1960s, where he won two Munster titles as well as an All-Ireland runners-up medal in 1956.

Cork Hurlers 1961 Nat League. Back: John Bennett, Sean Kenefick, Mick Cashman, Mick Quane, Dan Brennan, Jerry O’Sullivan, J O’Connor, Liam O’Driscoll. Front: Patsy Harte, Pat Fitzgerald, Jimmy Brohan, Christy Ring, Terry Kelly, Donal Sheehan, Denis Murphy, Jim Barry.
Cork Hurlers 1961 Nat League. Back: John Bennett, Sean Kenefick, Mick Cashman, Mick Quane, Dan Brennan, Jerry O’Sullivan, J O’Connor, Liam O’Driscoll. Front: Patsy Harte, Pat Fitzgerald, Jimmy Brohan, Christy Ring, Terry Kelly, Donal Sheehan, Denis Murphy, Jim Barry.

Terry Kelly retired from the force in 1994.

Chief Supt McPolin told The Echo that Terry had two sons that followed him in serving the State as Gardaí.

“His son Brendan is the sergeant in charge in Gurranabraher and his son Kieran was a serving Garda in Bandon until he left the force to become a barrister in Dublin.”

Chief Supt McPolin said that Terry was instrumental in establishing the Juvenille Liasion Office (JLO) in Cork City in the 1970s.

“He worked closely with youth organisations and vulnerable people. He shepherded and mentored youths, keeping them away from criminality. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.”

more Cork GAA articles

Ballinora looking to make history as they take on Grenagh in Muskerry Junior A HC final Ballinora looking to make history as they take on Grenagh in Muskerry Junior A HC final
Cork v Meath - Allianz Football League Division 2 Two departures from Cork football squad with David Buckley considering his future
Premier SHC: Killian Murphy looking forward to first final start Premier SHC: Killian Murphy looking forward to first final start

More in this section

Cork court: Phone communications between murder accused outlined at trial Cork court: Phone communications between murder accused outlined at trial
'All Inclusive Package': Driver arrested in Cork for no tax, insurance, NCT and possession of drugs 'All Inclusive Package': Driver arrested in Cork for no tax, insurance, NCT and possession of drugs
Cork rain warning for this weekend upgraded to orange Cork rain warning for this weekend upgraded to orange

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more