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

Jon Kenny, an Irish comedian and actor known for D'Unbelievables and roles on Father Ted, has died aged 66.

His wife Margie told local news outlet the Limerick Leader that the comedian had died on Friday evening in Galway Clinic.

In a statement to the newspaper, Kenny's family said he had a cardiac arrest early on 10 November. They added the comedian "grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could getting every ounce of fun, madness and love from it".

They also said: "His wit, humour, generosity and kindness will outlast his passing. The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend."

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

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

Paying tribute, Shortt said on social media: "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 with Margy and Caroline just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks Jon."

Taoiseach Simon Harris also called the Limerick actor a "gifted performer," while Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald called him a "comedic genius".

In a statement, Mr Harris said: "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."

The Taoiseach added he was in Limerick on Friday "when word of his death came through and to say he is beloved, is a huge understatement".

Ms McDonald also said of Kenny: "Along with his compadre Pat Shortt - [he] connected with the unique humour and wit of the Irish people in a very special way.

"He leaves the best legacy - he made people laugh and smile. Jon Kenny will be deeply missed."

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Fellow Irish comedian Dara O Briain said on social media Kenny "was a lovely, lovely man, and a comedy powerhouse".

He said: "D'Unbeliveables opened the door to all the rest of us, doing epic tours and dragging the audience, sometimes bodily, into a mad world of their creation.

"A unique man, and will be missed."

(c) Sky News 2024: Jon Kenny: Irish comedian who starred in Father Ted and Banshees of Inisherin dies aged 66