Father Ted star Jon Kenny has died aged 66.
The Taoiseach has led tributes to the comedy legend, who played Fred Rickwood in the much-loved sitcom. Simon Harris described him as a “gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker”.
According to Limerick Live, Mr Kenny’s wife confirmed that he passed away at Galway Clinic yesterday evening.
From Hospital, in Co Limerick, he was best known as part of the Irish comic duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.
Mr Kenny and Pat Shortt had recently reunited for roles in Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin alongside Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
The successful comedy duo toured across Ireland together until 2000 until Mr Kenny was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The duo released One Hell of a Video, D’Unbelievables, D’Video, D’Telly, D’Mother and D’collection.
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In 2020, he was given another cancer diagnosis and had to have part of his lung removed. In recent years he suffered from heart failure and underwent a heart bypass.
Mr Kenny was catapulted into Irish comedy’s big leagues when he starred in Father Ted.
He also starred in The Matchmaker, Insatiable and Les Misérables.
Earlier this week The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville, Cork, announced the cancellation of its event which Mr Kenny was scheduled to perform on Saturday.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of writer, actor and comedian Jon Kenny.
“Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word.
“Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker.
“Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables.
“I was in his native Limerick last night when word of his death came through and to say he is beloved, is a huge understatement.
“I personally admired the honest and reflective way Jon spoke about illness with Oliver Callan on radio earlier this year. Like everything he did, it was very human and very real.
“To Jon’s family, friends and huge circle of colleagues and peers, I am truly sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.”
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In a tribute, Tánaiste Micheál Martin described him as “one of our most iconic actors and comedians”.
“Deeply saddened at the passing of Jon Kenny,” Mr Martin said in a statement.
“Through the D’Unbelievables, and his appearances on stage & on screen, Jon made us smile. He was an entertainer to his core.
“Deepest sympathies to his wife Margie and family at this time,” he added.
Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2022, Mr Kenny said: “God, I’ve had it on and off, but half the time I wouldn’t even tell the wife, I’d just go in and get it sorted.
“The one reason I would ever mention it or not mention it is because the thing I say is that I’m so lucky. I don’t ever panic, but I’ve learned to keep an eye on myself.
“Sure it’s all part of life, right? I will say though, I am so lucky, and I know I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said at the time.
The comedian has been described as a “true legend of Irish comedy”, “one of Ireland’s greatest” and a “lovely man”.
Local Labour Party councillor for Limerick City North Conor Sheehan described Mr Kenny as a “Limerick legend”.
“Jon Kenny, especially with his iconic double act with Pat Shortt, was, first of all, a very proud son of Limerick,” he told the Irish Independent.
“He was a Limerick legend. He was an iconic entertainer but he was more than just a comedian. He was also a serious actor. He was also well able to sing. He was a performer.
“And I just think that this is so tragic. It’s so sad.
“I’m just devastated to hear because he was only 66 and that’s no age at all.
“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time, and may he rest in peace,” he added.
Local Fine Gael councillor for Limerick City North Olivia O’Sullivan told the Irish Independent that “people are in shock” following the death of the comedy legend.
“It’s very sad news. People are in shock, really, a lot of people are in disbelief,” she said.
Mr Kenny was grand marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Limerick last year.
“It was a great honour and I’m delighted that Limerick recognised Jon at that time and in that way,” said Ms O’Sullivan.
“We’re very proud of him and everything that he had achieved, especially when something like this happens and it’s a shock, it’s quite sudden.
“He’s just been a constant Limerick entertainer. He has been representing us nationally and internationally.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and my sympathy goes to all of them and everyone that knew him,” she added.