FUNERAL details have been announced for the Limerick comedian, musician, and actor Jon Kenny, who died Friday.
The 66-year-old entertainer from Rockbarton, Bruff, and Hospital, died surrounded by his wife Margy and his children Aran and Laya, at Galway University Hospital, after an illness.
The much-loved comic actor had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone heart surgery in recent years.
Tributes poured in for Mr Kenny from across the entertainment industry, the political divide, and his many fans.
Comic actor and musician Pat Shortt who toured extensively with and starred alongside Mr Kenny in their mad-cap D’Unbelievables comedy stage shows and video productions posted on X: “We are all devastated with the news of Jon passing and our thoughts are with Margy, Aaron, and Leah. I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon and learning from him. Creating some great shows and videos.”
“Hilarious hours in the rehearsal room and playing great tunes. But sitting in the kitchen with Margy and Caroline just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks Jon.”
Paying tribute, President Michael D Higgins said Mr Kenny had “impeccable, natural talent for humour and an ability to raise a laugh with just the slightest action”.
“With his solo work and beyond – including his outstanding work as a stage and film actor and poet – Jon Kenny has left what is a substantial body of work which will be recalled with the greatest warmth by the Irish public,” said President Higgins.
“It was part of the generosity of his character that he spoke about his health issues, and in this he demonstrated his trademark warmth and humour, while providing an inspiration to those suffering from their own illnesses.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris said Mr Kenny “had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word”.
“Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker,” added Mr Harris.
Predeceased by his parents Mamie and John and his brother Tom, Mr Kenny’s remains will be reposing at St Patrick’s Church, Lough Gur, Bruff (V35E281) on Monday November 18 from 4pm to 7pm.
Funeral Mass will take place at St Patrick’s Church at midday on Tuesday, and the remains of the comic genius will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Kenny is survived by his loving sisters Anne, Joan and Deirdre.
