Offaly legend inducted into Leinster GAA Hurling Hall of Fame
The Offaly GAA county board has described the induction of former player and manager Joachim Kelly into the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame as "a fitting recognition of an Offaly legend".
In a statement this week, the county board welcomed the accolade and outlined the 69-year-old Lusmagh man's long list of sporting achievements.
The Offaly GAA statement read:
"Joachim Kelly’s induction to the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of an Offaly legend who won two All-Ireland Senior hurling medals, seven Leinster Senior medals, and a National Hurling League title during a 19-year career.
"A consistent and tireless midfielder, he was central to Offaly’s breakthrough in the 1980 Leinster final and their All-Ireland victories in 1981 and 1985, earning All-Star awards in 1980 and 1984.
"He made a record 171 senior appearances (46 Championship, 125 League), more than any other Offaly hurler, and was a cornerstone of the Lusmagh club, winning Senior and Junior county medals. His rise began early, starring in the 1973 All-Ireland ‘B’ Colleges win and helping Lusmagh to their first Junior title weeks before turning 18, scoring 3-1 in the final.
"Joachim debuted for Offaly in 1974 and won an interprovincial medal with Leinster in the 1979 Railway Cup. Throughout the 1980s, he held his own against elite midfielders like Frank Cummins, Ger Fennelly, and George O’Connor.
"In 1989, he led Lusmagh to their first Senior title as player-manager. A serious knee injury in 1990 curtailed his playing momentum but led him to management, steering Westmeath to the 1991 All-Ireland ‘B’ title. He returned briefly to Offaly’s league-winning campaign in 1991 before retiring from county duty in 1993 at age 37.
"Joachim continued to play club hurling until 1997, with a final cameo in 1999 and a last game in the 2003 Junior ‘B’ final. Off the field, he managed Wexford in 2000, and played key coaching roles with Portumna, Shinrone, and Coolderry. His most sustained success came with the Offaly camogie team, which he guided to All-Ireland Junior (2009) and Intermediate (2010) titles and Senior Championship victories in 2011.
"In 2024, Joachim faced his toughest battle yet a diagnosis of leukaemia. True to form, he met it with courage and determination, returning to health in what he regards as his greatest victory.
"A warrior in every sense, Joachim Kelly is a deserving recipient of the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame Award for 2025.
"Comhghairdeas Joachim, thoroughly deserved, a gentleman and an Offaly hurling legend."