The death has occurred of Jack Kenna, widely regarded as one of the greatest Laois footballers of all time.
Aged in his early 90s, Jack lived in Daingean in Offaly for most of his life where he worked in Bord na Mona – but he remained a proud Laois and O’Dempsey’s man and someone who is fondly spoken of for his football exploits as well as being a gentleman to his fingertips.
Jack played in Leinster finals for Laois in 1951 and 1959 and won Railway Cups with Leinster in 1955, 1959 and 1961. He also represented Ireland in a game against the Combined Universities in 1960.
Though he played with the Jamestown club in his younger years, he was a founding member of O’Dempsey’s in the early 1950s and won Laois junior and intermediate titles with the club.
He missed out on senior glory with O’Dempsey’s in 1963, however, having retired at the end of the previous year.
A high quality forward, at the time of his retirement he was the highest Laois scorer of all time. He was later named on the Laois Team of the Millennium in 2000.
Formerly of Killmullen, Portarlington, Jack passed away suddenly at his residence.
He is predeceased by his sisters Mary (Sr. Fergal MMM) and Annie Flanagan.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, son Tomas, daughters Catherine and Ann-Marie, sons-in-law Derek and David, daughter-in-law Stella, grandchildren Tadhg, Eoin, Clodagh Conor, Caoimhe and Ronan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and neighbours.
Sadly missed by his friends and fellow Gaels in the GAA community.
Reposing at Maher’s Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Monday evening from 4pm with Removal at 6pm arriving St Mary Mother Of God Church, Daingean (eircode R35 E862) at 7pm.
Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to St Coleman’s Cemetery, Kilclonfert, Daingean (eircode R35 H280).
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