Mr Kelly, of Knocknamona Park, passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 79.
Mr Kelly was well known throughout Donegal due to his dedication to sport, particularly in his various roles at Letterkenny Rovers.
Mr Kelly’s remains are reposing at his home from 4pm to 10pm, this evening, Friday, June 14 and 12 noon to 10pm on Saturday, June 15.
Funeral from his home on Sunday, June 16 going to St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny for Funeral Mass at 12noon with burial afterwards in the family plot in Conwal Cemetery.
Funeral Mass can be viewed live on churchservices.tv/letterkenny
Mr Kelly was a founding member of Letterkenny Rovers in 1962 and had only recently stepped down from the position at the club’s AGM in March having served as chairman for 25 years.
He served as a long-time secretary of the Donegal Junior League and the Ulster Senior League while he also held various roles in the Donegal Women’s League, the Donegal Youth League, the Donegal Schoolboys League and the Letterkenny and District Schoolboys League over many decades.
He was also secretary of the Ulster Football Association.
In 2022, Dessie was very proud to be awarded honorary life membership of the Football Association of Ireland.
In a tribute posted on social media, Letterkenny Rovers said Mr Kelly ‘was a titan of Donegal football.’
“He was a player, manager, groundsman, fundraiser and administrator.
As a manager, he led the club to historic back to back Donegal League titles along with Liam Blake in the 1980/81 and 1981/82 seasons.
“Dessie led the club with distinction over a long period of time. He worked exceptionally hard to always drive the club forward and he was a great football man respected by all.
“Dessie dedicated so much of his life to the game and the club he loved.
“He spent many long hours at Leckview Park, working tirelessly on maintaining pitches and improving facilities and was instrumental in the development of the new Astro turf pitch.
“He was committed and loyal to the club in so many ways and overseeing the weekly lotto draw and bingo on a Thursday night in the Station House Hotel was two of his favourite jobs.
“Of course, Dessie’s association with the game extended far beyond our club.
“To many in the county, he was simply known as ‘Mr Football’.
“He was a titan of Donegal football.
“An integral part of our club’s history, he was a valued friend to us all and he will be greatly missed.
“In what proved to be the final match he attended, Dessie presented the senior team with the Brian McCormick Sports Cup at Diamond Park, Ballyare only last month.
“It was a fitting way for him to bow out.
“Our sincere condolences to his wife Annette and all the Kelly family at this sad time.”
Dessie Kelly
Since his passing, social media has been awash with tributes from football clubs and community groups all over the county while many of the clubs have suspended activity this weekend as a mark of respect.
Letterkenny Community Centre said, “All the staff at Letterkenny Community Centre were deeply saddened to hear the news of Dessie Kelly’s passing.
“Dessie was a regular contributor to the Letterkenny and District Christmas Annual for many years, keeping us informed on his beloved Letterkenny Rovers FC teams and the stories from the Letterkenny Reunion.
“He worked tirelessly to provide the names of the people in the photos that were included with every edition.
“He was a regular user of the track facility and enjoyed his daily walks round with his good friend Terry Leyden.
“To Dessie’s beloved family and friends we offer our sincere condolences at this very sad time.
“Rest easy Dessie, you will be sadly missed.”
Brid McGinty, of the Donegal Women’s League also paid tribute to Mr Kelly who was one of the founders of Donegal Women’s League.
“The league was formed in 1994 with Dessie as registrar and also PRO, since then Dessie held many roles including Treasurer and Chairman.
“Dessie held his seat on the executive up to this coming season giving 30 years service to the Donegal Women’s League.
“Dessie loved meetings and the longer the meeting the better and if he could cause a wee argument, he would say it was a productive meeting.
“In 2004 the League started underage girls football with Dessie sponsoring the U16 Shield.
“Dessie loved our final days, giving his speech, congratulating many girls on their success, acknowledging their skills and talent, and presenting the medals and trophies.
“Dessie was very knowledgeable on all goings on in Football within Donegal and Countrywide and always on hand to answer any queries raised.
“For a man who never took up social media, there will be many posts in the next few days as everyone remembers Dessie.
“All league activities is currently suspended as a mark of respect.
“We offer our sincere condolences to Annette and the Kelly Family and also to the Football Community on the loss of Dessie.”
Mr Kelly is survived by his wife Annette and family and his sister Mary.
