John Paul Kelly

This article is about the footballer. For the ice hockey player, see John-Paul Kelly.
John Paul Kelly
Personal information
Full nameJohn Paul Kelly
Date of birth16 June 1987
Place of birthDublin, Ireland
Height1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing positionWinger
Youth career
2003-2005Liverpool
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2005–2008Bohemians
2009Drogheda United
National team
Republic of Ireland U19
Republic of Ireland U21
Republic of Ireland U23
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

John Paul Kelly (born 16 June 1987 in Dublin) is a former Irish professional footballer who played for Bohemians and Drogheda United.

Club career

"Joxer" as he is commonly known, played at youth level for Lourdes Celtic before moving to the Liverpool academy in 2003 under the guidance of Steve Heighway. He made quick progression at Liverpool and before long was a regular in the reserves. However he was later released by Liverpool and returned home to Dublin where he joined League of Ireland side Bohemians.

He made his league of Ireland debut on April 1, 2005 in a 1-0 defeat by Derry City and soon became an integral part of the side. An exciting and skillful player, Kelly played a part in Bohs' Double winning 2008 season picking up his first domestic medals of his career.

However when his contract ended at the finish of the 2008 season, Joxer was released by Bohemians.[1] He signed for Drogheda United in time for the beginning of the 2009 season. He then left Drogheda 12 games into the 2009 season and then retired from football.

International career

"Joxer" has represented the Republic of Ireland at many underage levels and was voted Under-19 Player of the Year at FAI Awards in 2006.

He captained the Irish Under-21 team in all three of their games in the Madeira tournament in early 2007. Also played twice for the Irish U23s.[2][3]

Honours

References