View pic gallery: Farmer goes topless for charity calendar
Jack was raised on a sheep and cattle farm.
A topless photograph taken while mucking out, five years of friendly persuasion and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone have landed Galway man Jack Kelly in the Irish Farmer Calendar 2027.
Raised on a sheep and cattle farm in Aughrim, Jack still lends a hand on the family farm while working as a wildlife filmmaker. His calendar appearance came about after a friend saw a photograph of him working topless in the barn in 2021 and spent the next five years persuading him to get involved.
Eventually, he agreed. It was a chance to try something completely different and have a bit of craic.
“I wanted to represent Galway and do something I never thought I’d do. I’m a big believer in pushing your boundaries and doing something every day that scares you!”
Jack joins Jay O’Neill (Co Meath), Gavin Lively (Co Down), Ciaran Mahoney (Co Kerry) and Connor Sheahan (Co Cork) in a calendar celebrating real working men.
For Jack, the appeal goes beyond the photo shoot itself.
“I love that the calendar represents modern Ireland in such a fun way. It features salt-of-the-earth people who keep Ireland running,” he said.
More accustomed to wearing a wetsuit or camouflage ghillie suit while filming wildlife, Jack wore considerably less clothing than usual for the Irish Farmer Calendar. Friends and family were equally surprised when they found out.
For Jack, the experience is a reminder to embrace new experiences, not to take yourself too seriously and never be afraid to put yourself out there.
The Irish Farmer Calendar 2027 is available now. Follow Jack on Instagram at @mr_jackelly and click the link in his bio to get your copy.
This year, the calendar is proud to support Movember, helping to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Because behind the banter and the work boots, men’s health matters.
