Celebration for Ned Kelly's 70th

Family and friends gathered this evening to wish Ned Kelly a happy 70th birthday, writes Brian Byrne. The celebration in McTernan's was, as always with the Kelly clan, a musical one.

Before an appropriate cake was brought out, Pat Kelly spoke about Ned's prowess as a farrier respected for his craft amongst the most notable racehorse owners and trainers, as well as by his peers. "Rather than be an apprentice to his father as a blacksmith, he registered with Bord na gCapaill and served his time in Ferns, Co Wexford, with a man named Jim Canavan," he recalled. "Over the subsequent years he became a master farrier, working with the likes of Paddy Mullins, and he also became the farrier on the Curragh Racecourse." 

Pat also remembered there was a very proud moment one year when Ned was featured on the RTE Six O'Clock News as Best Farrier at the Dublin Horse Show.

Due to health issues, Ned had to retire from the farrier trade some two decades ago, but is still remembered with high esteem by former colleague farriers such as John Brennan and Bobby Halford. "He was a brilliant blacksmith as well," Pat added. "Obviously he picked that up from our father. He was there to do iron work, water work and welding as well. Tonight it's just great to see so many friends and family here to celebrate with him."

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