Paul KeenanDes Kelly, ‘The Carpet Man’ has been remembered as a man of faith who worked tirelessly for the homeless and needy throughout his years of business success.
As he was laid to rest in Ratoath, Co. Meath on Tuesday, Fr Gerry Stuart reminded mourners of the voluntary work undertaken by Mr Kelly over many years, beginning when he joined the Legion of Mary and first worked at the capital’s Morning Star Hostel, becoming its president in later years.
“Des then worked with the Regina Coeli Hostel in Dublin, he was involved with the Knights of Columbanus, often doing the Christmas dinners,” Fr Stuart added. “He was also involved in Cenacalo in Knock, where they look after a drug rehabilitation centre and he was the director of that for a number of years. Then of course he was very much involved in Medjugorje.”
Strength
Mr Kelly spoke openly a number of years ago of the strength of the faith that had underpinned his voluntary work. In an interview with Spirit FM he said: “My faith has escalated since I joined the Legion. I realised how the other side lives. I am really satisfied now, more than I ever was in life. It’s just a great place to be and you are giving something back.”
Born in 1941 in Dublin, Mr Kelly went from selling second-hand carpets to leading Des Kelly Interiors, with 13 shops nationwide employing 100 staff.