Offaly legend inducted into Leinster GAA Hall of Fame

An Offaly GAA legend has been inducted into the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame. 

Joachim Kelly was given the honour at the Leinster Senior Hurling Final between Galway and Kilkenny on Sunday. 

A two-time All-Ireland winner and two-time All-Star Joachim was a pivotal player for Offaly as they made their historic breakthrough in the 1980s. He began hurling for Offaly in 1974 and played all the way up to 1993 making a record 171 appearances for the county. 

Leinster GAA's citation for Joachim on his induction outlines a raft of achievements in a glittering career. It reads: 

"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.

READ NEXT: Familiar opponents for Offaly as draw made for Tailteann Cup quarter-final →

"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.

READ NEXT: Offaly's dream ends with heads held sky high as young heroes run out of road →

"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."