Loughgall Martyrs 20th Anniversay Commemorative website

Óglach Patrick Kelly

19^th March 1957 - 8^th May 1987

Volunteer Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly, from Dungannon, was 30 when he died at Loughgall on 8^th May 1987. As his father Vincent said, "It was the R.U.C.'s beatings that made Paddy a Volunteer." He had the highest respect for his comrades, and is remembered for his exceptional leadership qualities; he gave his whole hearted commitment and his life to the struggle for Irish freedom.

The eldest of five children, Paddy Kelly, was born in the staunchly loyalist town of Carrickfergus. Although from a fourth generation republican family, Paddy Kelly needed no one to tell him about the discrimination and harassment suffered by republicans. He witnessed it at first hand, initially in Carrickfergus, but then when the family moved to his father's home town of Dungannon, like many young men he was routinely stopped, searched and questioned. Once when he objected, he was viciously beaten and from that point confrontations became a part of Paddy's daily life.

In early 1982, he and seven others were arrested on the uncorroborated word of Patrick McGurk. Paddy, industrious as ever, spent his time on remand learning the Irish language. He was acquitted at a fifteen minute trial but the experience made him more determined than ever. His father explains, "No true Irishman can accept the status quo. Nobody likes to see the killings, but it's a war situation, and it happens. Gangsters and criminals are not willing to die for their country. Patrick was not a bad boy. He was a true Irishman who had every thing to live for. He had his wife, their children. He knew the risks but he loved his country."

His wife, Kathleen, was expecting their fourth child the week he was killed.

Volunteer Patrick Kelly is buried in Edendork Cemetery, two miles from his Dungannon home. The Kellys say they have some solace, for though they miss Paddy, they see him in the eyes of his oldest son.