About Hugh C. Kelly
Lived 1849 – 1944 (aged 95). Hugh C. Kelly was a sports executive and rugby union player.
Hugh Cunningham Kelly (20 May 1849 – 13 November 1944) was an Irish international rugby union player.
Kelly was born in Belfast and attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He initially pursued his father's profession and qualified as a solicitor, but didn't end up practising. In 1873, Kelly was appointed Under-Sheriff of County Down.
A hefty forward, Kelly played his rugby for Belfast club North of Ireland and was capped six times for Ireland from 1877 to 1880, which included a period as team captain.
Kelly had a noted career as a sports administrator, serving as president of the Irish Lacrosse Union and on the Royal Ulster Yacht Club committee, in which capacity he was involved with Thomas Lipton's America's Cup challenges.
Married with no children, Kelly's wife was a daughter of politician Arthur Forwood.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Hugh C. Kelly?
rugby player
When was Hugh C. Kelly born?
Hugh C. Kelly was born on 20 May 1849.
When did Hugh C. Kelly die?
Hugh C. Kelly died on 13 November 1944.
What was Hugh C. Kelly's occupation?
Hugh C. Kelly was a sports executive and rugby union player.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hugh C. Kelly. https://biography.guide/hugh-c-kelly/
MLA: "Hugh C. Kelly." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hugh-c-kelly/.
Chicago: "Hugh C. Kelly." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hugh-c-kelly/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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