Jon Kenny: Irish comedian who starred in Father Ted and the Banshees of Inisherin dies at 66

Irish comedian and actor Jon Kenny, known for his roles in the TV series D’Unbelievables and Father Ted, died at the age of 66.

His wife, Margie, told the local news outlet: Limerick Leader The comedian was said to have died at the Galway Clinic on Friday evening.

In a statement to the newspaper, Kenny’s family said he suffered a heart attack early on November 10. They added that the comedian “grabs life and shakes it as hard as he can to get every ounce of fun, crazy, and love out of it.”

They also said: “His intelligence, sense of humor, generosity and kindness will live on even after his death. The memories and stories of those who knew him will become his legend.”

Kenny was best known as one half of the comedy duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt in the 1980s. He also made two guest appearances on Father Ted, as Michael Cocheese and Fred Rickwood.

The comedian reunited with Shortt in the 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin, in which they both had small roles.

Taoiseach Simon Harris paid tribute, calling the Limerick actor a “talented actor”, while Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald called him a “comedic genius”.

In a post on social media, Mr Harris said: “Jon had the ability that very few people have, to make his audience laugh with a look or a single word.

“Behind his seemingly effortless ability to tell jokes was a gifted artist and an extremely profound thinker.”

The Taoiseach added that he was in Limerick on Friday “when news of his death broke and to say he was loved was a huge understatement”.

Ms McDonald also said of Kenny: “Along with his friend Pat Shortt – (he) connected in a very special way with the unique humor and intelligence of the Irish people.

“He left the best legacy; he made people laugh and smile. Jon Kenny will be greatly missed.”

Irish comedian Dara O Briain said on social media that Kenny was a “lovely, lovely guy and a strong man of comedy”.

He said: “The D’Unbeliveables have opened the door for us all, touring epically and dragging audiences, sometimes physically, into a crazy world of their own making.

“He was a unique man and will be missed.”

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