Cavan mourns passing of dedicated Garda, successful businessman and community volunteer

It is with regret that we record the death of retired Garda Sergeant and Co Director of Brookside Security Ltd Cathal Kelly, Brookside, Farnham Road, Cavan, formerly of Cornulla, Cloone Co Leitrim, which occurred peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 30 surrounded by his loving family.

Born Charles Kelly on August 24, 1938 to parents John Patrick and Brigid (Bohan) in Cornulla, Cloone, Co Leitrim, Cathal attended the local national school in Drumgoone, Co Leitrim and completed his studies in the De La Salle Brothers in Waterford.

Cathal was attested to An Garda Síochána on 20/04/1960 and later served in Cavan/Monaghan, Dublin and Waterford districts. His posting to Scotstown, Co Monaghan was where he met his beautiful Evelyn and they married on August 8, 1964. On 26/11/1963 he was posted to Ballinagh Station where they settled for a brief time and he played football for the local GAA club. He was posted to Cavan town on October 5, 1965 and they moved to Cavan residing in Annagelliffe, Killygarry, Co Cavan and later settled in Highfield Road, Cavan for over 10 years.

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Cathal was promoted to Garda Sergeant on October 15, 1978 and took up the post to Arva, Co Cavan on November 23, 1978. Cathal, Evelyn and family subsequently moved to Arva in August 1981 where they settled into the local community making good friends and very special memories of their time there.

Cathal along with Francis Smith (RIP) set up the Boy Scouts in 1983 and many outings were enjoyed by the local boys and fond Memories shared at the funeral was a trip to Enniscrone Co Sligo! He enjoyed his time working with An Garda Síochána and valued his friendships with many of his colleagues throughout his 35 years of service.

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During his time in the force he served in some of the most significant moments of Ireland’s modern history, working in the border area during the Troubles carrying out protection duties for political figures and worked on the Pope John Paul 11 visit to Drogheda, Co Louth. Cathal retired from the Gardaí on August 23, 1995. He and his family moved back to Cavan town and he resumed employment as a security Guard in Dunne's Stores, Cavan. He also worked with the Inland Fisheries Board. He was nominated for “Cavan Man of the Year” in 1996 for his fundraising efforts for St Christopher’s Hospice Cavan.

Cathal saw a business opportunity and set up his own security company, Brookside Security Ltd. Through hard work, long hours and connections he made over the years he built a successful business which is now part of his legacy. Cathal was a people person and enjoyed meeting people. His warm greeting to all who met him is sorely missed. He was a loving and devoted husband and a wonderful father.

Cathal reposed in the McMahon Funeral Home, Cavan on Monday, December 2 and was removed from his residence on Tuesday, December 3 with a Garda Escort provided by Cavan Garda Station to the Cathedral of St’s Patrick and Felim, Cavan for Funeral Mass and afterwards for interment in Killygarry Cemetery, Cavan. The retired members of an Garda Síochána (GSRMA) along with teachers and pupils of Breffni College performed a poignant guard of honour.

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Cathal was predeceased and is reunited with his beloved wife Evelyn (Feb 2021) and brothers Patrick Joseph, John and Bernard. He is survived by his children Padraig, Paula (David), Orla (Sundara), Cathal (Anita), Aishling (Tom), Damian and son Dylan, Evelyn (Conor) and Aoife. Also by his brothers Tom and Gerry (Dublin), his sisters, Sr Dympna (Edgeworthstown), Eileen Considine (Ennis), Bridie Lucas and Tess Cox (both England) and Josie Costello (Carrick On Shannon), his adored grandchildren, brothers-in -law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, all his extended family, neighbours, former Garda colleagues, former employees of Brookside Security and a wide circle of friends, to all of whom we extend sincere sympathy.