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Warrant Officer Andy Harris, Padre (Squadron Leader) Dave Skillen, Wing Commander (Retired) Gerry Doyle at the 80th anniversary commemoration of the death of Father Michael Kelly. Warrant Officer Andy Harris, Padre (Squadron Leader) Dave Skillen, Wing Commander (Retired) Gerry Doyle at the 80th anniversary commemoration of the death of Father Michael Kelly.

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Appeal for help in identifying relatives of Limerick priest killed in World War II

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Warrant Officer Andy Harris, Padre (Squadron Leader) Dave Skillen, Wing Commander (Retired) Gerry Doyle at the 80th anniversary commemoration of the death of Father Michael Kelly.

An Appeal has been made to find the relatives of Father Michael Kelly on the 80th anniversary of his death in World War II

A graveside service was held recently in southern England, remembering Father Michael Kelly on the 80th anniversary of his death

On the 80th anniversary of his death, an appeal has been made to help track down the relatives of Father Michael Kelly who died in World War II while serving as chaplain at the British Royal Airforce.

A graveside service was held recently in southern England, remembering Father Michael Kelly on the 80th anniversary of his death but little is known about the priest who was buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in the cemetery attached to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

Fr Michael was one of four Catholic RAF Chaplains among the World War 2 dead. All four of them were from Ireland. Efforts have been made in the past track down relatives of Fr Michael Kelly but to no avail and now, to honour his 80th anniversary, the Bishopric of the Forces has issued a public appeal for the support of people in Limerick in identifying him.


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The recent service was conducted by Padre Dave Skillen, the Principal Catholic Chaplain of the RAF, a Mass for Fr Michael was also celebrated by RAF Chaplain Fr James Mealy, who is currently stationed on the Falklands Islands. 

Padre Skillen said attempts to track down family members of Father Kelly had been made in the past, but “without success” on his 80th anniversary they are reaching out to any relatives to reassure them “he is not forgotten”.

The Principal Catholic Chaplain of the RAF said, “Sadly little is known about Fr Michael Kelly apart from the fact that he died in a military hospital.

“Efforts to track down any descendant members of his family have so far been without success. If there are any descendants of Michael, l am sure they would like to know that he is not forgotten and if they want to visit his grave l would make arrangements to welcome them.”

If anyone has information that could help track down relatives of Fr Kelly, Padre Dave can be contacted at 0044 7770 538693.

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