The funeral mass of musician, comedian, actor and poet Jon Kenny took place today with the Mass ending just before 1.30pm at St Patrick’s Church in Lough Gur. Mr Kenny’s burial followed in the adjoining cemetery. Jon Kenny died in hospital on Friday night at the age of 66 after a long illness.
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris were represented at the funeral by their aides-de-camp. Friends from the entertainment industry participated in the ceremony including The Merry Wallopers, Sharon Shannon and Sean O’Se. John Creedon from RTE gave a eulogy at the end of the Mass describing Jon Kenny as a “Laoch” and a man that embodied the idea that the heart is the seat of all wisdom in Celtic mythology.
Mr Kenny’s daughter Laya read one of Jon’s poems – The Christening and his wife Margy also spoke to thank people for what she called an overwhelming show of love for Jon. Ms Kenny said the love was reciprocated as Jon loved to tell her of the people he met when touring.Parish priest Father Edward Cleary celebrated the mass. Symbols of Jon Kenny’s life brought to the altar included a guitar, a book of poetry, Munster Rugby and Limerick GAA flags and a wig, which symbolised his many comedic performances. Jon’s dog was also present in the church and welcomed by the priest who said “dogs are angels without wings.” As the coffin left the church the Hymn Be Not Afraid was sung and a round of applause echoed for Jon Kenny. Mr Kenny is survived by his wife Margy, daughter Laya, son Aran, sisters Anne, Joan and Deirdre and the extended family.
