Brendan Kelly Perpetual Memorial Bowling Trophy is launched

The inaugural winner was Seamus McCallion, with Lisa Creggan second, and Kevin Cowan in third place. Patrick Quinn and Chloe Jackson recorded the highest score for male and female competitors, respectively.

On May 21, 1974, Brendan was born into the Kelly family and changed their lives in a way that was impossible to put into words.

Being a ‘late’ child to Eileen and Brendan, their new son was already very special to them, but no one could ever know just how he would effect the lives of others, and leave an amazing legacy over his 33 years of life.

Brendan attended Foyleview Special Care School, Maybrook Adult Training Centre and, latterly, the Greenhaw Centre.

“They say that first impressions last the longest, but every time you met Brendan he left an impression that you would never forget,” said Richard Edgar, chairman of Foyle Speical Olympics.

“He had a great zest for life and was an amazing human being. He achieved things in his 33 years that many of us may not achieve in a lifetime. He had a special gift of spreading love unconditionally. His hobbies were bowling, colouring in, music, arts and crafts, shopping and socialising.

“Even though Brendan suffered from Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy, he didn’t let that deter in any way. Not only was Brendan an Olympian bowler, he was awarded and was recognised for his role as a conservation volunteer for his services to the environment. His arts and crafts achievements were numerous and second-to-none as was his ability to name a tune in one note,” said Richard.

He continued: “Brendan’s entire beautiful life and sudden death has touched so many people: His warm, crafty, loving, pure and innocent nature was deeply loved and cherished by his family and friends. Brendan didn’t see problems in life, he only saw opportunities and possibilities. His innocent child-like nature wanted only to embrace life and people. His gift was his love, uncomplicated, generous and free.”

Asked to describe Brendan, his close friend, Maureen Campbell, said: “Brendan was as large as life with an even bigger heart. He smiled form his heart with pure angel delight. He was an angel on earth, now an angel above. A word to describe Brendan is ‘love’.”

Another close friend, Frances Campbell, said: “Brendan was innocence personified. His life was a journey of joy. He had an innocent wisdom which touched the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. Once met, never forgotten.”