He was best known in Ireland for his performance as 'Rashers' Tierney in Strumpet City. His memorable appearance in Fawlty Towers, as the builder O'Reilly, brought him to a British and wider audience.
He was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for his role in Waking Ned and also received an IFTA lifetime achievement award and a Helen Hayes award for Moons for the Misbegotten. In 2005, he appeared as Charlie's grandad in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where he formed a close friendship with Johnny Depp who declared Kelly as his hero.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie, his son David and daughter Miriam.
