A right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper,[2] he played 25 times for the Ireland cricket team between 1920 and 1930[3] including thirteen first-class matches.
[4] Educated at Ampleforth College and Trinity College Dublin, Kelly served in the First World War as a Lieutenant with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force (originally as an observer, but later as a pilot) and was awarded the Military Cross, before returning to Dublin University to complete his degree in 1919, eventually becoming a barrister.
[1] He made his debut for Ireland the year after leaving university, playing against Scotland[3] in a first-class match in July.
[3] He continued as a regular in the Irish team over the next six years, playing internationals against Scotland, Wales and the West Indies in addition to several matches against the MCC.
He bowled just two overs, against Julien Cahn's XI in his penultimate match for Ireland.