Nicky Kelly

Nicky Kelly is an Irish Labour party politician from Arklow in County Wicklow. In the 1980s he achieved fame throughout Ireland after he had been sentenced, in 1978, to 12 years in prison for his alleged part in the Sallins train robbery. The ensuing campaign to release him became a symbol of the 1980s with 'Free Nicky Kelly' grafitti posted throughout the country. The evidence of torture committed against him and his two co-accused, Osgur Breatnach and Brian McNally, galvinised a campaign for his release.

In 1984 Kelly was eventually released on "humanitarian grounds". He received a presidential pardon in 1992, along with over €1 million as compensation following campaigns by Amnesty and the ICCL.