Brendan Kelly (bishop)

Biography

Kelly was born in Ballinakill, County Galway to Sean and Annie Kelly, as the second of nine children. He studied at Craughwell National School and St. Mary's College (1959–64) before entering St Patrick's College, Maynooth in 1964. Kelly there obtained a degree in Bachelor of Arts and in Bachelor of Divinity, later receiving his Higher Diploma in Education from University College Galway in 1973.

On 20 June 1971, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Browne, for the Diocese of Galway. Kelly was Curate in Kinvara, and then taught at Coláiste Einde (1972–80) and Our Lady's College, Gort (1980–86), the latter of which he was subsequently President until 1995. Receiving a Sabbatical leave, he served as Chaplain to the L'Arche community at Cuise-la-Motte in France until 1996, whence he returned to Ireland as parish priest of Lisdoonvarna. Kelly was named Canon of the Cathedral Chapter and Vicar Forane for the deanery of Kilfenora on 19 June 2002. Since 2003 he has been parish priest of An Spidéal; he became Vicar General of Galway in 2005, and was raised to the rank of Chaplain of His Holiness on 6 March 2006.

On 20 November 2007, Kelly was appointed Bishop of Achonry by Pope Benedict XVI. He was surprised yet pleased by his appointment, and has promised to concentrate his initial efforts as Bishop on becoming acquainted with the clergy and people of the diocese. Cardinal Seán Brady described him as "a man of prayer, filled with love for the Word of God and the pastoral care of people." Kelly received his episcopal consecration and installation as bishop on 27 January 2008.