James McClean’s book sparks a public row with his uncle John ‘Popa’ Kelly

James McClean has become embroiled in a public dispute with his uncle, John “Popa” Kelly, after the footballer’s book brought renewed attention to their family connection. The article describes Kelly as a notorious loan shark linked to the New IRA, and says he is McClean’s uncle. The row follows the publication of McClean’s book, which has set off a war of words between the two men, according to the report. It does not provide the full details of what either man said, but frames the exchange as a clash between the Derry City outcast and Kelly. Kelly previously faced serious terrorist charges, but those charges were dropped two years ago, the article says. The report’s description links him to the New IRA, while making clear that the charges against him did not proceed. The story centres on the family connection and the fallout surrounding McClean’s book. It does not suggest that the book’s contents establish any criminal allegation against the footballer, and the material supplied gives no further explanation of the dispute or response from either man.