Retired Kildare farrier celebrates 70th birthday 

A RECENT gathering of family and friends in Kilcullen paid tribute on the 70th birthday of a retired farrier who had been respected for his craft amongst the most notable racehorse owners and trainers, as well as by his peers.

The celebration for Ned Kelly held in MacTernans was, as always with the Kelly clan, a musical one — not only had Ned and his siblings been brought up to the song of the hammer on the anvil at their blacksmith's father's home, but several of them have continued the household's long-standing love of and participation in music.

Pat Kelly recalled how his brother had pivoted from a potential career as a blacksmith with their father.

"Rather than be an apprentice to his father, he registered with Bord na gCapaill and served his time in Ferns, Co Wexford, with a man named Jim Canavan," he recalled. "Over subsequent years he became a master farrier, working with the likes of Paddy Mullins and others like him, and he also became the farrier on the Curragh Racecourse."

Pat also remembered a very proud moment one year when Ned was featured on the RTÉ Six O'Clock News as Best Farrier at the Dublin Horse Show.

Due to health issues, Ned had to retire from the farrier trade some two decades ago, but is still remembered with high esteem by former colleagues such as John Brennan and Bobby Halford. "He was a brilliant blacksmith as well," Pat added. "Obviously he picked that up from our father. He was there to do iron work, water work and welding as well. Tonight it's just great to see so many friends and family here to celebrate with him."