2003 All Star Football Centre Back

The sixth Laois All-Star recipient Tom Kelly hails from the same tiny hamlet, The Swan, as his compatriot Joe Higgins.

He was actually less well known than his twin brother Stephen in the early stages of his football career. Stephen was a star forward in 1996 as Laois claimed All-Ireland minor honours but it was not until the following year that Tom joined him in attack as Laois retained their title.

By 2003, Tom had established himself on the Laois senior team but was now regarded primarily as a defender. In his All-Star winning campaign, Tom began the season at corner back for Laois but when moved to anchor the defence at half time in the drawn game against Offaly it re-energised both him and Laois. His runs from deep caused endless problems against Dublin and Kildare and his amazing penchant for getting forward to score and create in advanced positions for Laois was a huge asset.