President Higgins leads tributes to Jon Kenny

President Higgins has spoken in glowing terms of Jon Kenny, the Co. Limerick comedian, actor and musician who died yesterday in Galway aged 66. His funeral mass is taking place on Tuesday at 12 noon at St. Patrick's Church in Lough Gur, Bruff.

From his work alongside Pat Shortt in D'Unbelievables and his brilliant cameo in Father Ted to his turn in The Banshees Of Inisherin and memorable appearance in The Restaurant, Jon always lit up the stage and screen and was loved and respected by everyone who worked with him.

"It is with great sadness that so many people, and in particular all those who appreciated his particular brand of humour, will have learned of the death of Jon Kenny," the President says.

"With his impeccable, natural talent for humour and an ability to raise a laugh with just the slightest action, Jon brought so much joy and laughter in his work with Pat Shortt as one half of the D'Unbelievables. Immensely popular amongst all his colleagues, for Pat Shortt it will be an incredible loss of his partner in showbusiness.

"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.

"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.

"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Jon's wife, Margie, to his children Leah and Aaron, and to all of his family, friends and fellow performers.

"He will be deeply missed by all those who appreciated his extraordinary talent."

Those sentiments are echoed by his long-time D'Unbelievables partner Pat Shortt.

“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," Pat says. “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.”