Tim Kennelly
Encyclopedia
Tim ‘the Horse’ Kennelly (6 July 1954 – 6 December 2005) was an Irish
sportsperson. He played Gaelic football
with his local club Listowel Emmets and was a member of the Kerry
senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1984. Kennelly captained Kerry to the All-Ireland
title in 1979.
in 1954. He grew up on the family farm in Coolaclarig, an area that had a great tradition for Gaelic football
. As a young boy Kennelly showed great skill as a footballer and his father had a great influence on his subsequent inter-county career.
Kennelly was a publican by profession. His sons, Noel
and Tadhg
, also represented their native county in football. Noel won an All-Ireland medal with Kerry in 2000. Tadhg later played Australian rules football
in the AFL
with the Sydney Swans
. In 2005 he became the first Irishman to win an AFL
premiership winners’ medal. He returned to Ireland in 2009 and joined the Kerry senior football team and won an All Ireland Senior Medal and All Star.
Tim Kennelly, who suffered from a heart condition, died on 6 December 2005.
winners’ medal while also winning a North Kerry league title. He finished off the year be claiming a county junior championship
winners’ medal.
A second North Kerry championship title followed in 1976 while, two years later, in 1978 Kennelly added a second North Kerry league title to his collection. By this stage he was also lining out with divisional side Feale Rangers. An 0-8 to 0-3 defeat of Mid Kerry in 1978 gave Kennelly a coveted county senior championship winners’ medal. Two years later in 1980 Feale Rangers defeated Austin Stacks
by three points, thus securing a second county senior championship title.
minor football team; however, he had no success in this grade as Cork dominated the provincial championship. He was quickly promoted to the county's under-21 team, winning a Munster
title in this grade in 1973. He later lined out in his first All-Ireland final at under-21 level. Mayo
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, Kerry recorded a 2-13 to 0-13 victory. The win gave Kennelly a coveted under-21 All-Ireland
winners' medal.
In 1975 Kennelly captured a second Munster under-21 title following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford
. Kennelly’s side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin
providing the opposition. A 1-15 to 0-10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Kennelly a second All-Ireland winners' medal.
. It was the beginning of a glorious era for Kerry football and Kennelly played a key role in orchestrating much of the success for the team that would come to be regarded as the greatest of all-time. That year he won his first senior Munster
title, dethroning Cork as provincial champions in the process. Kennelly later lined out in his first senior All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Dublin provided the opposition and were installed as the red-hot favourites over the youngest Kerry team of all-time. On a rain-soaked day John Egan
and substitute Ger O'Driscoll
scored two goals and 'the Dubs' were ambushed by 2-12 to 0-11. It was Ó Kennelly’s first All-Ireland
winners' medal at senior level.
In 1976 Kennelly captured his second Munster title before later lining out in his second All-Ireland final. Once again it was Dublin who provided the opposition. Both sides were hoping for success, however, new 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence. Jimmy Keaveney
converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3-8 to 0-10 victory and defeat for Kennelly.
1977 proved to be another frustrating year. The year began with Kennelly capturing a coveted National League
medal on the field of play and a third consecutive Munster title following another win over Cork. Kerry later took on Dublin for the third consecutive year, however, this time it was in the All-Ireland semi-final. In one of the greatest games of football ever-played 'the Dubs' triumphed and Kennelly was still left waiting for a second All-Ireland medal.
In 1978 Kerry secured a fourth Munster winners' medal in-a-row, however, Kennelly missed the provincial decider. He later returned in time for ‘the Kingdom’s’ third All-Ireland final appearance in four years. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy
's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed over the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen
, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. New full-forward Eoin Liston
scored a hat-trick of goals. Pat Spillane
played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Charlie Nelligan
was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5-11 to 0-9.
In 1979 Kennelly, who was now captain of the side, won a fourth provincial title as Cork fell by ten points in the Munster final. He later went in search of a third All-Ireland medal as he lined out in a fourth championship decider. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power
did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé
was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3-13 to 1-8 victory. It was Kennelly’s third All-Ireland winners' medal while he also had the honour of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup
.
Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Kennelly a fifth Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon
providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1-9 to 1-6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees. The victory gave Kerry a third All-Ireland title in succession, while Kennelly added a fourth All-Ireland winners' medal to his ever-growing collection.
In 1981 Kennelly missed Kerry’s seventh consecutive Munster title, however, he later lined out in the All-Ireland final against Offaly
. Kerry had an easy win with seven players combining for a great goal. He captured his fifth All-Ireland winners' medal that day as Kerry won by 1-12 to 0-8.
In 1982 Kennelly won his second National League winners’ medal before Kerry secured an eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork. It was Kennelly’s sixth provincial title in all. The All-Ireland final pitted 'the Kingdom' against Offaly for the second year in-a-row. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby
, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.
Kerry missed out on an historic nine-in-a-row in Munster in 1983, as Cork finally triumphed. 'The Kingdom' bounced back the following year; however, Kennelly was now on the periphery of the team while he also became a selector. He played no part on the field of play in Kerry’s Munster final and All-Ireland final triumphs. Kennelly retired from inter-county football around this time.
in the inter-provincial football competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1977 as Munster defeated Connacht
in the final by 1-14 to 1-9. It was his first Railway Cup winners’ medal and the first of two-in-a-row for Kennelly and for Munster. After losing out in 1979 and 1980 Kennelly captured a third Railway Cup title in 1981. A one-point defeat of Connacht gave Kennelly a fourth Railway Cup winners’ medal in 1982
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He played Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club Listowel Emmets and was a member of the Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1984. Kennelly captained Kerry to the All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
title in 1979.
Biography
Tim Kennelly was born in Listowel, County KerryCounty Kerry
Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
in 1954. He grew up on the family farm in Coolaclarig, an area that had a great tradition for Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
. As a young boy Kennelly showed great skill as a footballer and his father had a great influence on his subsequent inter-county career.
Kennelly was a publican by profession. His sons, Noel
Noel Kennelly
Noel Kennelly is a footballer from the Listowel Emmets club in North Kerry. He is a son of former Kerry great Tim Kennelly and older brother of Tadhg Kennelly. He won an All Ireland Medal with Kerry in 2000...
and Tadhg
Tadhg Kennelly
Tadhg Kennelly is an Irish sportsperson known for his top level careers in both Gaelic football and Australian rules football....
, also represented their native county in football. Noel won an All-Ireland medal with Kerry in 2000. Tadhg later played Australian rules football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
in the AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
with the Sydney Swans
Sydney Swans
The Sydney Swans Football Club is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Sydney, New South Wales. The club, founded in 1874, was known as the South Melbourne Football Club until it relocated to Sydney in 1982 to become the Sydney...
. In 2005 he became the first Irishman to win an AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
premiership winners’ medal. He returned to Ireland in 2009 and joined the Kerry senior football team and won an All Ireland Senior Medal and All Star.
Tim Kennelly, who suffered from a heart condition, died on 6 December 2005.
Club
Kennelly played his club football with his local team called Listowel Emmets. He won numerous under-age league and championship winners’ medals before making his way onto the club’s senior team. 1972 proved to be a very successful year for Kennelly and for his club. He captured a North Kerry senior championshipNorth Kerry Senior Football Championship
The North Kerry Senior Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition for GAA clubs affiliated to the North Kerry Division of Kerry. The official name of the competition is The Bernard O'Callaghan Memorial North Kerry Senior Football Championship, in honour of the late Bernie O'Callaghan ...
winners’ medal while also winning a North Kerry league title. He finished off the year be claiming a county junior championship
Kerry Junior Football Championship
The Kerry junior championship is an annual Gaelic football competition played in County Kerry, Ireland by Gaelic Athletic Association clubs affiliated to Kerry GAA. It is a grade below Kerry Intermediate Football Championship and the winners move up to that grade the year after winning it...
winners’ medal.
A second North Kerry championship title followed in 1976 while, two years later, in 1978 Kennelly added a second North Kerry league title to his collection. By this stage he was also lining out with divisional side Feale Rangers. An 0-8 to 0-3 defeat of Mid Kerry in 1978 gave Kennelly a coveted county senior championship winners’ medal. Two years later in 1980 Feale Rangers defeated Austin Stacks
Austin Stacks
Austin Stacks is a hurling and Gaelic football club based in Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland. It has more All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals and GAA All-Stars than any other GAA club in Ireland...
by three points, thus securing a second county senior championship title.
Minor & under-21
By the early 1970s Kennelly had joined the KerryKerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
minor football team; however, he had no success in this grade as Cork dominated the provincial championship. He was quickly promoted to the county's under-21 team, winning a Munster
Munster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
title in this grade in 1973. He later lined out in his first All-Ireland final at under-21 level. Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, Kerry recorded a 2-13 to 0-13 victory. The win gave Kennelly a coveted under-21 All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
winners' medal.
In 1975 Kennelly captured a second Munster under-21 title following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
. Kennelly’s side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
providing the opposition. A 1-15 to 0-10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Kennelly a second All-Ireland winners' medal.
Senior
In 1975 a new-look Kerry team was formed under the management of former player Mick O'DwyerMick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer , is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played Gaelic football with his local club Waterville and was a member of the Kerry senior team from 1956 until 1974...
. It was the beginning of a glorious era for Kerry football and Kennelly played a key role in orchestrating much of the success for the team that would come to be regarded as the greatest of all-time. That year he won his first senior Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
title, dethroning Cork as provincial champions in the process. Kennelly later lined out in his first senior All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Dublin provided the opposition and were installed as the red-hot favourites over the youngest Kerry team of all-time. On a rain-soaked day John Egan
John Egan (footballer)
John Egan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Sneem, his divisional side South Kerry and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1984.He also played hurling with neighbouring club Kenmare.Born in Tahilla , County Kerry, Egan...
and substitute Ger O'Driscoll
Ger O'Driscoll
Ger O'Driscoll is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Newcestown and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2009 due to the 2008-2009 Cork players strike. O'Driscoll won back-to-back Munster minor titles in 2004 and 2005...
scored two goals and 'the Dubs' were ambushed by 2-12 to 0-11. It was Ó Kennelly’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners' medal at senior level.
In 1976 Kennelly captured his second Munster title before later lining out in his second All-Ireland final. Once again it was Dublin who provided the opposition. Both sides were hoping for success, however, new 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence. Jimmy Keaveney
Jimmy Keaveney
James "Jimmy" Keaveney is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club St. Vincents and was a member of the Dublin senior inter-county team from 1965 until 1978. Keaveney is regarded as one of Dublin's greatest-ever players.-Club:Keaveney played his club football...
converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3-8 to 0-10 victory and defeat for Kennelly.
1977 proved to be another frustrating year. The year began with Kennelly capturing a coveted National League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
medal on the field of play and a third consecutive Munster title following another win over Cork. Kerry later took on Dublin for the third consecutive year, however, this time it was in the All-Ireland semi-final. In one of the greatest games of football ever-played 'the Dubs' triumphed and Kennelly was still left waiting for a second All-Ireland medal.
In 1978 Kerry secured a fourth Munster winners' medal in-a-row, however, Kennelly missed the provincial decider. He later returned in time for ‘the Kingdom’s’ third All-Ireland final appearance in four years. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy
Mikey Sheehy
Mikey Sheehy is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Austin Stacks and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1974 until 1987. Sheehy is regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.-Club:Sheehy played his club football with the...
's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed over the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen
Paddy Cullen
Paddy Cullen is a former inter-county goalkeeper and manager with the Dublin GAA senior football team. During his player career Cullen won three All-Irelands and four all-stars awards....
, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. New full-forward Eoin Liston
Eoin Liston
Eoin 'Bomber' Liston is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Beale, his divisional side Shannon Rangers and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1978 until 1993...
scored a hat-trick of goals. Pat Spillane
Pat Spillane
Patrick Gerard Spillane , better known as Pat Spillane, is a retired Gaelic footballer and well known Irish sports pundit. He played Gaelic football with his local club Templenoe and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1991...
played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Charlie Nelligan
Charlie Nelligan
Charlie Nelligan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Castleisland Desmonds and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1976 until 1991.-Club:...
was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5-11 to 0-9.
In 1979 Kennelly, who was now captain of the side, won a fourth provincial title as Cork fell by ten points in the Munster final. He later went in search of a third All-Ireland medal as he lined out in a fourth championship decider. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power
Ger Power
Ger Power is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Austin Stack's and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1973 until 1988. Power captained Kerry to the All-Ireland title in 1980.-Early life:Ger Power was born in Annacotty, County...
did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1987...
was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3-13 to 1-8 victory. It was Kennelly’s third All-Ireland winners' medal while he also had the honour of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup
Sam Maguire Cup
The Sam Maguire Cup, often called The Sam , is the name of the cup that is awarded to winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
.
Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Kennelly a fifth Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon
Roscommon GAA
For more details of Roscommon GAA see Roscommon Senior Club Football Championship or Roscommon Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Roscommon County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Roscommon GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games...
providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1-9 to 1-6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees. The victory gave Kerry a third All-Ireland title in succession, while Kennelly added a fourth All-Ireland winners' medal to his ever-growing collection.
In 1981 Kennelly missed Kerry’s seventh consecutive Munster title, however, he later lined out in the All-Ireland final against Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
. Kerry had an easy win with seven players combining for a great goal. He captured his fifth All-Ireland winners' medal that day as Kerry won by 1-12 to 0-8.
In 1982 Kennelly won his second National League winners’ medal before Kerry secured an eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork. It was Kennelly’s sixth provincial title in all. The All-Ireland final pitted 'the Kingdom' against Offaly for the second year in-a-row. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby
Séamus Darby
Séamus Darby is an Irish former sportsperson who played Gaelic football for County Offaly in the 1970s and 1980s...
, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.
Kerry missed out on an historic nine-in-a-row in Munster in 1983, as Cork finally triumphed. 'The Kingdom' bounced back the following year; however, Kennelly was now on the periphery of the team while he also became a selector. He played no part on the field of play in Kerry’s Munster final and All-Ireland final triumphs. Kennelly retired from inter-county football around this time.
Inter-provincial
Kennelly also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial football competition and enjoyed much success. He first lined out with his province in 1977 as Munster defeated Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
in the final by 1-14 to 1-9. It was his first Railway Cup winners’ medal and the first of two-in-a-row for Kennelly and for Munster. After losing out in 1979 and 1980 Kennelly captured a third Railway Cup title in 1981. A one-point defeat of Connacht gave Kennelly a fourth Railway Cup winners’ medal in 1982