Funeral of Kevin Kelly (31) who died in house fire with Sunny Jacobs hears how he would ‘go above and beyond for other'
Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning.
He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers.
She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified.
All those attending Mr Kelly's funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the 'fun, laughter and personality' of the Connemara native.
The large numbers gathered were described as a 'testament' to Mr Kelly's character and friendship.
A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his 'cheeky smile and positive attitude'.
"Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say.'
His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh' and 'loved fun' throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others.
'Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 – 14 days after he was due – and he's been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasn't one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd,' she said.
Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which 'started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara'.
He would often 'disappear' on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie 'and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing'.
'When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face… but he loved dogs,' she said.
"That's one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget – but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that.'
He had a 'protective streak' for his sisters as he had 'such a big heart for all those he loved'.
Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after 'a little big of wandering' found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra.
'It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevin's time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered,' she said.
It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other'.
"We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief,' she added.
"If you find yourself missing Kev – as I'm sure you will – in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it.
"While you're there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years.'
Mourners were also told to take pictures and 'capture your moments with your loved ones' as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would 'go above and beyond' for those in his life and would 'do anything he could for anybody'.
Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was 'a joy and a gift to our lives', with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service.
Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a 'huge driving force for him'.
He has been remembered for his 'big smile and kindness' and as someone who was 'absolutely magical' with dogs.
He will be 'lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin's partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours,' his death notice read.
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