Vale Tom Kelly

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Tom Kelly 1931 - 2013

On behalf of the Board of Management, Staff and Little Athletics community, it is with great sadness that we extend the Kelly family our deepest condolences on the tragic passing of Tom Kelly on Saturday evening in Mount Evelyn.

Tom’s involvement in the sport of athletics as both an athlete and coach traversed a wide variety of organisations and personnel. His initial involvement in athletics, representing both Ireland and Australia, saw him win an international marathon in Korea in 1961 representing Box Hill Athletic Club.

Tom’s involvement as a coach was initially at Box Hill. For the last 35 years, Tom was involved with Doncaster where he virtually coached at the track every day, teaching athletes a variety of disciplines including sprinting, hurdles and middle/long distance events. Tom has also served as a committee member at Doncaster for many years. He was Cross Country, A-Grade, Interclub and State League Team Manager, which included all of Tom’s trimmings being advisor, counsellor, driver, psychiatrist and jack of all trades.  Tom was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

Tom’s commitment to Little Athletics was also extensive. He was involved in the Junior Development Squad for many years and trained our State Squad members prior to National Championship competition. Tom was always involved in the JDS Camp in January at Melbourne University and would assist at clinics and carnivals regularly. He was one of the most flexible coaches because of his array of knowledge. His coaching prowess led him to countless state, national and international titles in conjunction with his army of athletes throughout his proud, passionate and determined association on and off the track.

Tom always enjoyed ‘the banter’ being an Irish larrikin, and relishing in a laugh with everyone around him. His participation and generosity will be long entrenched in the memories of many in the wider athletics community. He will be sadly missed.