Moving tributes paid to former USW student and footballer Rhys Kelleher

by Editor

TRIBUTES have been paid to a University of South Wales graduate who made an indelible mark on his former team mates.

Rhys Kelleher, 28, who died last month of oesophageal cancer, studied Criminology and Criminal Justice, graduating with an upper second class honours in 2012.

He went on to have a successful career as a coach and latterly in the police force, but his former manager and those he played with in USW’s Men’s 1st football side, remember the positive contribution he made both on and off the pitch.

“Rhys was clearly a talented player, he was quick, a good finisher and always willing to work hard for the team,” said Steve Savage, who managed him during his time at the then University of Glamorgan.

“I remember my first meeting with Rhys in 2009, just after he was released by Cardiff City FC U18s. Like many released scholars he seemed a little lost and not sure what to do next, but luckily for us he was keen to continue playing good football alongside studying.

“I was fortunate to manage Rhys. He played a key part in taking USW through the leagues and into the BUCS Premier League. I remember one game in particular just before Christmas in 2011 away to St Maryʼs University. I had given the lads a bit of a telling off as we needed to show more quality and Rhys stepped up to score 4 in our 5-1 win!

“I was devastated when I heard the news about Rhysʼ cancer. His strength and courage knowing that he was losing his battle was inspiring but that was ‘Kellsʼ, always being positive and looking forward.

“Kells will always be part of our USW football family and someone I will forever be grateful to for the opportunity to work with and to call a friend. My sincere condolences to Patrick, Karen, Hannah and all the Kelleher family.”

After graduating, Rhys worked in Malaysia as a football coach and English teacher for a couple of years before returning home to join Gwent Police.

He remained in contact with many of the people he played alongside at USW, including ex-team mate Lee Kendall and former Men’s 1st team coach David Adams, who along with Savage, visited Rhys in recent months, sharing memories of their time together.

“Rhys and I played for USW and the Welsh Universities side as well as playing for the same club, Neath,” said Kendall, who now coaches the USW 1^st team.

“We formed a close bond because we had similar professional and academic experiences and Rhys was one of those boys you always wanted to have around.

“I’ll never forget the time we ended up playing two games in a day and keeping two clean sheets. We reminisced about that only a few weeks ago.

“Rhys bore his illness with great dignity, wanting to keep a positivity around him and focus on the things he enjoyed and which made him laugh.

“He’s a huge loss to his family and friends and to those of us who knew him at USW. He’ll always be in our hearts when we run out onto Pitch 6 at the Sport Park because we will never forget him.”

A Requiem Mass for Rhys will be held at St Dyfrig’s Church, Broadway in Pontypridd tomorrow, Friday September 6^th at 11.30am followed by burial at Beech Grove Cemetery, Edwardsville, Treharris at 1.30pm.

Parking is available in the lower car park of USW’s Treforest campus for those attending the funeral at St Dyfrig’s Church.  There will be a bus from the car park to church.

The family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff or to Macmillan Cancer.