20-05-2025
Tributes paid to ‘wonderful' Irishman after tragic car crash in Australia
James Kelly, from Co. Armagh, has been described 'a bright and cherished young man' following his sudden passing.
A community in Armagh has been left shaken following the death of a young man in an accident abroad.
James Kelly, from Armagh City, died as a result of an accident in Australia on May 17.
A funeral notice described James as the beloved son of Catherine and Jim, a cherished brother to Natalie, and a dearly loved grandson of Tommy, the late Marie Hagan, and the late Art and Mary Kelly.
Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, Sarah Duffy, said the 'devastating news has shaken our community.'
She said: 'I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of James Kelly, a young man from Armagh City, who lost his life while in Australia.
James Kelly. Credit: JJ McArdle & Sons Funeral Directors
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'This devastating news has shaken our community, and my heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.
'James was a bright and cherished young man who had his whole life ahead of him, and his loss will be felt by many.'
Ms Duffy said her thoughts were with the family at this 'unimaginably difficult time.'
"No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but I hope they can find some comfort in the love and support that surrounds them,' she added.
'On behalf of the people of Armagh and the wider district, I extend my deepest condolences to the Kelly family. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.'
Tributes have poured in on social media following news of his death.
In a statement a spokesperson for Cuchulainn Hurling Club in Armagh said: 'It is with immense sadness that the Committee and Members of Cuchulainn Hurling Club have learned of the sudden passing of James Kelly in Australia, son of our esteemed Vice Chair and Club stalwart Jimmy, and we wish to tender our deepest sympathies to him, his wife Catherine, daughter Natalie, and the entire Kelly and Hagan family circle. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time.'
A spokesperson for Armagh Harps GFC added: 'Sincere condolences to the Kelly family, Cuchulainn Hurling Club and James' many friends following his sudden passing.'
Others also took to social media to offer condolences.
A spokesperson for Mount St Catherine's Primary School in Armagh said they were 'very sorry to hear this sad news' adding that James was a 'wonderful young man'.
A former teacher said: 'My goodness. I taught James for two years. A wee gentlemen. Too young. Very hard to comprehend.'
Another mourner on social media posted. 'Heartbreaking news, rest in peace James. Such a lovely lad deepest condolences to Cathy, Jim and Natalie.'
