Father Kelly’s Reel (The Rossmore Jetty)

Reel, G, Irish, also known as Father Kelly’s No. 1; Father Kelly’s Favourite
Composed by Father P.J. Kelly (1926 – 2006) of Woodford, County Galway, Ireland.

Father's Kelly's Reel. Irish Reel - Father P.J. Kelly's The Rossmore Jetty. TrailJams Tune of the Week. Play it together March 13, 2022. Illustration copyright 2022 Jonathan Lay. trailjams.org

This tune was composed by Father P.J. Kelly around 1960. He gave it the title “The Rossmore Jetty,” but it has become more commonly known as Father Kelly’s Reel. It is a very popular session tune. The Rossmore Jetty is (apparently) a jetty or pier on the river Shannon near Father Kelly’s hometown of Woodford in East Galway.

Recordings

Dots (Music Notation)

As always for traditional tunes, the musical notation and chords do not indicate the “right” way to play the tune, but are a useful reference.

Sheet music and chords for Father Kelly's Reel, aka The Rossmore Jetty. Key of G. By Father P.J. Kelly. Arrangement by Jonathan Lay. trailjams.org
Play from the Dots
Slow tempo 65bpm
Moderate tempo 85bpm

Sets

Examples of sets that include this tune.

  • Father Kelly’s / Castle Kelly
  • Father Kelly’s Reel / Cooley’s Reel
  • Father Kelly’s / Reconciliation / Mountain Road / MacArthur Road
  • Ben Hill / The Rossmore Jetty (both tunes by Father P.J. Kelly)

References and Resources

For those who want to dig deeper, here are some other resources.