Padraic Kelly in Castleblakeney. Photo: Ray Ryan

Kelly clan jump to their hearts content

Family own about 100 horses

THE KELLY family in Castleblakeney have been keeping horses for a few generations now.

Padraic Kelly took over the reins of Castleblakeney Stud from his father (Christy), who in turn had acquired stewardship of the business from his father Martin, known as ‘Captain Kelly’.

When Padraic does decide to pass the mantle onto his children, he has plenty of potential suitors to choose from.

This is because he and his wife Diane have seven children. Daughter Oonagh is the eldest (15) and she has six younger brothers — Stephen, George, Brian, Harry, Kieran and Ronan.

“My father, my grandfather, my uncle and Diane’s father were all dealing in horses. No money ever came into the house here apart from horses. It’s all we know, we don’t talk about anything else,” said Padraic.

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