Kelly is the Anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Ceallaigh, based on the personal name “Ceallach” which can mean either ‘bright-haired’ or ‘troublesome’. The popularity of the name dictated that it would be incorporated into surnames in several different areas across the country, including Co. Meath, Co. Wicklow, Co. Antrim, Co. Derry, Co. Sligo, Co. Galway, Co. Roscommon and Co. Laois. The most important of all these clans was the O’ Kellys from the territory of the Uí Máine, which covered east Galway and south Roscommon, and was known as O’ Kelly Country. Today the name is the second most prominent in Ireland, and is spread throughout the country, being most numerous in counties Galway, Kildare, Leitrim and Roscommon.

The hand knit Kelly sweater has a honeycomb rope centre, with cable, and moss filled diamonds on either side. The honeycomb stitch symbolises work, the cable represents a wish for good luck and the diamonds a wish for wealth. This beautiful Aran sweater has been hand knitted in the traditional báinín (pronounced ‘baw neen’) colour, the natural white of the wool. It comes to you complete with a clan history and crest. It is made of 100% pure new wool, is water repellent and breathable. It has been hand crafted in the traditional Irish style, and, with care, will last a lifetime.

This knitting kit is comprised of the finest traditional Aran Wool, your Clan crest together with a sweater history and your Kelly knitting pattern. We provide enough Aran wool to create your perfectly sized sweater plus a little extra. This Traditional Irish 100% wool is water repellent, breathable and a delight to work with. The pattern is an easy to follow design, tailored specifically to suit your exact size requirements.