Remembering the former ‘Lord Mayor’ of Tallaght
By Mary Dennehy
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Tallaght ‘Lord Mayor’ William Kelly, who was laid to rest on Saturday, July 20, at the age of 83.
A well-known face around Tallaght, William (known as Willy, and Billy in the Tymon North area) played an important role in the community’s early development through his local fundraising initiatives and charitable work.
Willy and Ann pictured seven years ago as they celebrated 50 years of marriage
Growing up in Bohernabreena, a young Willy lived in Walkinstown for some time before moving to England.
He eventually returned to Tallaght in the seventies and lived in Tymon North with his family before finally settling in Old Court, where he lived for the past 35 years.
Willy and his wife Ann, who has passed away, had four children, Vivienne, Colm, Cormac, and their late daughter, Orla.
Due to his Trojan charitable work, which included volunteering with the Lions Club, Willy was chosen to be one of Tallaght’s first ‘Lord Mayors’ back in the mid-eighties.
Speaking with The Echo, a family member said: “Willy did so many things, and being the ‘Lord Mayor’ of Tallaght was just one of his many stories.
“He went to everything as ‘Lord Mayor’, and I remember his photo popping up everywhere.
Willy proudly wearing the Lord Mayor of Tallaght chains
“He really lived life to the full and helped a lot of people along the way.
“Willy was also a proud member of the Lions Club, and was well known to many Tallaght residents through his charitable work since moving back to Tallaght in the seventies.
“He was all about local charities and raising money for various causes locally in Tallaght.
“He was a bus driver and owned his own coach business, and, alongside running a business, he also donated buses for community outings and events.”
The family member added: “He thought us all to take care of family and be kind to those around us. He was a huge character, with a broad smile and an easy joke.
“He had a major sense of humour and will be missed by his large, extended family and friends.”
Willy, who was a loving grandad to three grandchildren, passed away peacefully at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, on Wednesday, July 17.
He was laid to rest on Saturday, July 20, in Bohernabreena Cemetery.
TAGS Tallaght
