Kelly entered Maynooth in 1814 to study for the priesthood, was ordained for the diocese of Armagh in 1820, served as Dean and Professor of Dogmatic Theology in Maynooth.[1] Kelly was elected Bishop of Dromore by the Propaganda Fide on 29 May 1826 and confirmed by Pope Leo XII on 4 June 1826.[2][3] His episcopal ordination took place on 27 August 1826.[3]
Fryde, E. B.; Greenway, D. E.; Porter, S.; Roy, I., eds. (1986). Handbook of British Chronology (3rd, reprinted 2003 ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN0-521-56350-X.