6 days Ago By Lauren Kelly
ACTOR and comedian Jon Kenny who passed away earlier this week will be laid to rest next Tuesday. The Limerick man’s family revealed the entertainer died in hospital in Galway on Friday surrounded by his relatives, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest. Jon was best known for being one half of the d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt and for his cameos on Father Ted.
He also recently had a small role in Oscar-winning movie The Banshees of Inisherin. Jon's funeral mass will take place at St. Patrick's Church, Lough Gur, in Bruff on Tuesday at 12pm.
His death notice reads: "It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jon, on November 15th 2024 in the excellent care of the staff at University Hospital Galway, in the presence of his loving wife Margy and his devoted children Aran and Laya. "Jon is predeceased by his mother Mamie, his father John and his brother Tom. "Sadly missed also by his loving sisters Anne, Joan and Deirdre.
"Also by his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and his many friends and neighbours. "Jon will be reposing at St. Patrick's Church, Lough Gur, Bruff (V35E281) on Monday November 18th 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." Jon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000 and it returned in 2020.
In March, he opened up about his first cancer diagnosis during the success of D'Unbelievables. Speaking to Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1, he said: "It was tiring and wearing, but it was fun, and well, I nearly killed myself. "I got cancer at the beginning of 2000 and I had no choice but to take a step back.
"Over the space of two years I was on different forms of treatment." Jon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his early 40s but through extensive chemotherapy treatment he came out the other side. He added: "I got a stem cell transplant, thanks be to God, they sorted me out and I motored on for another while.
"My cancer came back then about three or four years ago. "I had an operation to remove my left lung and that was grand." Jon’s D’Unbelievables sidekick Pat Shortt paid tribute to his close pal yesterday evening.
The Banshees of Inisherin actor, 57, said he was “devastated” by the news, describing his friend as a “comic genius” and “the funniest guy I ever met”. Pat added: “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 just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks Jon.
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