Michael Kelly

Rank:	Lance Corporal
Street:
Townland:	Lisbrack
Town/Village:	Newtownforbes
Civil Parish:	Clonguish
Catholic Parish:
Country:
Alternative Address:
Census 1901:
Census 1911:
Regiment/Unit:	Royal Irish Regiment, 5th Battalion
Regiment Number:	1723
Date of Death:	18-04-1915
Cause:	Illness while on active duty, Longford
Memorial:	Newtownforbes Old Graveyard, Longford
Information:	Michael was born 23 November 1865 in Clonguish, Newtownforbes, Co. Longford. He enlisted in Longford, and his nephew Charles Kelly of Curry, Newtownforbes was listed as his next-of-kin. He died at home at Newtownforbes, of enteritis. The CWGC entry lists his age as 65, although it is more likely that he was 49 due to a possible Civil Birth record. His file notes three children: Mary Ann, Michael and Patrick.
Parents Names:	Son of Michael and Eliza Kelly
Notes:	There is some uncertainty about Michael Kelly's death. He died prior to the commencement of the invasion of Gallipoli, which began on 25 April. The 5th Royal Irish Regiment, Lord Granard's, was stationed in the cavalry barracks in Longford at that time. The Longford Leader of 24 April 1915 reported on the death of a young soldier named Michael Kelly from Newtownforbes. He was in the 5th Royal Irish Regiment from the previous year. He was taken ill suddenly and allowed to go home, where he died within hours. He was buried in the local cemetery. It is clear from the report that he was young. It is likely that the age on the gravestone in Newtownforbes is incorrect in any event, as it would be most unusual for a man of 65 to be a serving soldier.
Links:	Link to CWGC entry; possible Civil Record of death; Longford Leader; Death of a Soldier; Link to Civil birth record;