[Update: Funeral services for Ray Kelly, husband of Liz Shamahs and father of Jude, Robert, & Rachel Kelly, will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 from 3:30pm to 9pm at
RG Ortiz Funeral Home: 4425 Broadway (190th St.) New York, NY. (212) 942-3700.]
We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ray Kelly, singer & guitarist of the NYC celtic rock band The Mickey Finns.
Ray, from Co. Clare, Ireland, was also a founding member of The Prodigals.
Our condolences go out to his wife & son Jude, his son, Robert, and daughter, Rachel, the extended Kelly family, as well as to Brian Tracey, Matt Mancuso and Eric Kaye, his band brothers in the Mickey Finns.
According to The Mickey Finns‘ page on facebook:
Ray was hurt in a work accident and passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013…Ray Kelly was a man with a giant heart and a giant laugh. He brought light into the lives of everyone he touched. He leaves behind two sons, Robert & Jude, a daughter, Rachel, his wife, Liz, his mother, Alma, a grandson, Luke, and two brothers, Marcus and Barry.
Below is a video of The Mickey Finns, featuring Ray Kelly on guitar & lead vocal performing “Sweet Clare Girl”.
Links:
The Mickey Finns [official website]
The Mickey Finns [facebook]
The Mickey Finns [youtube]
Ray Kelly of the Mickey Finns – a Tribute [Shite n Onions]
Farewell Ray Kelly [New York Irish Arts]
Mourning the great Ray Kelly – County Clare frontman of the Mickey Finns [IrishCentral.com]
Leading Irish rock singer dies after New York construction site injury [IrishCentral.com]
Below, see a haunting video that Ray and his son Jude starred in. The video was made by director Mickey Micklos to Moby’s 2011 release, “The Day”
Moby- The Day (DP Barry Markowitz ASC) from Mickey Micklos on Vimeo.
Ray your sweet voice, upbeat personality, antics and late nights at Taco Bell will be sorely missed. I am so sorry you are gone, always with me will be “From Clare to Here” acapella, Ray Kelly style. Thanks for letting me join you. The only recording may be in my head, but I will hear it always. Let the music play…
There’s no telling how many lives this wonderful, hilarious, sweet and kind man touched. My only consolation is in the music and the memories…Ray’s antics introduced me to the whole Irish fest world. I’ll never forget you Ray. My heart aches to think that we’ll never see you again. So much love for you, and everyone who’s missing you tonight. We’ll be hurting for a long time. xoxo
I’m so sad to hear this. I only got to see him one time when The Mickey Finns played the Dublin Irish Festival in Ohio with the Prodigals. We attend every year, and to this day that year remains my favorite. His energy on stage was amazing and I had the best time. I wish I could’ve seen them again. Prayers to his family, friends and band mates.
I’m so sorry, so very very sorry. He will be missed. Sympathy to his family who must go on without him.
Ray was a more than just a fine musician, he was a Clare man true & true. I remeber the first day my fiancee and I met him and he answered our “Up the Banner” cry with a smile and a thumbs up.
We enjoyed our talks of the days when he was deliverin’ the post or workin as a butcher back home on the isle. We talked about Ennis and the local pubs..as I lit my pipe it brought a tear to his eye as he remembered his Da shavin the block of tabacco.
We raise a glass of Powers to you Ray. You were a fine lad and will be missed.
Ar dheas Dé go raibh a anam.
Im absolutely gutted,I can’t believe it.Ray was too young to die.A happy go lucky salt of the earth guy and agreat musician.So sorry for his families loss.