Phil Kelly - In Ómós - En Memoria - In Memory

Phil Kelly – Dathadóir/Pintor/Painter

Born September 7th, 1950; died August 3rd, 2010

An inspirational light has gone out in the world with the passing of Mexico City based Irish painter Phil Kelly. Mo chara, mi cuate, my mate is now ar slí na fírinne - on the final path of truth and enlightenment.  What a privilege to be able to call a man who was an artistic genius a mate.

The official cause of his death was renal failure but there were previous complications.

Like Mexicans, our Celtic belief is that we are bigger than death itself. However the physical wrench of death is not to be gainsaid and must be pondered and celebrated in all its mysteries. A corrupt priesthood may come and go but we still have our artists, both physically and spiritually.

After a holiday in Mexico in the year 2000, I approached an RTÉ executive about the possibility of making a film about this wonderful painter and image poet Phil Kelly.