Connect with us
comedian jon kenny comedian jon kenny

Community

Beloved Limerick iconic actor and comedian Jon Kenny, dies aged 66

Published

on

Comedian Jon Kenny from Hospital, County Limerick has passed away and the Limerick community has paid tribute to the “Irish comedy genius and stage and screen actor”.

Limerick comedian Jon Kenny, dies aged 66 formed D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt and was treated for cancer a number times since 2000

comedienne jon kenny

The community of Limerick and beyond has paid tribute to the late Jon Kenny, the celebrated actor who will be remembered for his kindness, humour, and talent.

Jon Kenny, a much-loved actor, comedian, and musician from Hospital, County Limerick has passed away and the Limerick community has paid tribute to the “Irish comedy genius and stage and screen actor”.

Renowned for his role as half of the iconic comedy duo D’Unbelievables alongside Pat Shortt, the group became a household name with nationwide tours of their live show and video releases.


advertisement

advertisement


advertisement

advertisement

Jon, a talented musician, performed with Limerick band Gimik in the 1970s before moving to acting and would become an accomplished stage actor having recently performed in “Crowman”, a one-man show which put Kenny’s acting talents on display on stages across the country.

A beloved figure in Irish entertainment, and leaving a positive impression on the people he has met, Jon will be sorely missed.

Paying tribute to the late actor, Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan, who had the honour of leading the St Patrick’s Day parade with the actor in 2023 said, “Very sad news about Jon Kenny, a staple of the stage in Limerick for as long as I can remember. From D’Unbelievables success with Pat Shortt then TV/film roles from Father Ted to the Banshees of Inisherin, and local work treading the boards. He will be missed. Rest in peace Jon.”

Jon pictured with Pat

Cork’s Red FM presenter, Keith Cunningham, paid tribute to the “Rich comedy genius”.

He said, “Jon Kenny RIP. Irish Comedy Genius and incredible stage and screen actor. I used to record radio ads for d’unbelievables, himself and Pat Shortt, together were rural comedy dynamite. Sleep well John, you were one of the greats.”

Jon was known for his pride in Limerick, and when he led the city’s St Patrick’s Day Parade as grand marshal he said, “It’s brilliant to feel you belong to part of something and to carry it with you in your work when you go away. It’s amazing no matter where I’ve been or performed whether you are in New York or Toronto or London or Belfast or any place or even in Dublin people come up to you and they say ‘you’re from Limerick aren’t you?’”

Jon Kenny is survived by his wife Margie, daughter Leah, son Aaron and will be missed by his extended family, friends, and fans.

Jon will be reposing at St Patrick’s Church, Lough Gur, Bruff (V35E281) on Monday, November 18 from 4pm to 7pm.

Jon’s funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at 12 noon and can also be accessed here.

Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can also be submitted through the condolences link on rip.ie.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

comedienne jon kenny
Pic: Piquant Media

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.