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Kenny Kennedy was born to Kenneth Kennedy and Annie, nee Hackett, at Ballyoisin but the family moved to Emyvale when he was still at National School. He had three brothers - Arthur, Tommy R.I.P. and Jimmy. and five sisters- Jessie, Fidelma, Nuala, Philomena R.I.P., Sheila, and Brigid R.I.P.
Kenny got his first job at 14 years of age, hired out to John Lavery. He then got a job in St. Macartan’s College, as a Butler and worked from 6am to 10 pm. He worked for nine years in flax mills scutching the flax and had a job with a Quarry before he became a Postman and for 30 years he religiously and faithfully travelled his district on foot and bicycle delivering the post. But as postman he also did much more and was a welcome sight for many a person living on their own. He often carried messages from one house to another and had to carry good news and bad news to families. On many occasions he had to be the kindly ear to listen to problems and allow people to share their worries.
Kenny had three main hobbies - hunting, athletics and music. In season, he hunted with his lurchers and out of seasons he could be seen every day walking them out along the demesne wall and back. He picked up his music from his father and learned the violin to start with but he could lift any instrument and play. He set up the Ken Kennedy Showband which had Tommy, Arthur and himself together with Paddy McMahon, John Treanor and Jack Treacy. Originally they did not have and did not need amplification but later, before they could afford to buy their own, they hired it from Jimmy McGeough. Many others played in that band over the years including his sister, Sheila, John Joe McCourt, Tom McBride, Phine Corrigan, Brendan Khan and later, his own son Ken Junior. The name of the Band changed too, as did the personnel. It was known as the Blue Seven for a time. Some of the more senior among us will remember him playing the Big Drum in the Donagh Band too.
In athletics he excelled and coached many more to peak performance and he himself was an all-Ireland winner on many occasions and in different field event disciplines. His speciality was the 56lb Shot. He won 33 All-Ireland Gold titles and many many silver and bronze awards. The Glaslough Harriers was the centre of his universe and he loved working with young athletes and motivating them to greater effort. Many of his proteges also reached the highest level in their sport. He promoted his sport in Community Games as well and is an Honorary Life President of Monaghan Community Games.
Kenny was married to Peggy, who predeceased him and they had one son, Ken Jr. They set up home in Glaslough village, a place Kenny loved and was so proud of.
In recent times Kenny’s health deteriorated and he was hospitalised and cared for in Nursing Homes. He had his 86th birthday recently and a family party was held and he enjoyed it.
He passed to his eternal reward and his remains were brought to his home in Glaslough, where a constant stream of people visited during Tuesday and Wednesday. Many stories of his exploits and achievements were shared between friends as they met there. His funeral Mass was in St. Mary’s Donagh, today, Thursday May 14th and the Church was unable to cater for the huge crowd in attendance. Family members were involved in the liturgy and the celebrant was Fr. Martin PP. Fr. Martin praised Kenny’s commitment to the community and stated that he was a shining example of what volunteering is all about.
Afterwards Kenny was laid to rest in Drumbanagher Cemetery. The Glaslough Harriers, North Monaghan Social Services and other groups formed Guards-of-honour as a tribute to a great man with a big heart and a jovial spirit.
Above shows Kenny coaching his pupils in the Shot and on right is Kenny with his favourite dogs.
Kenny Kennedy R.I.P.
On a personal basis I regarded Kenny as a great friend and always enjoyed the bit of slagging when we met. He slagged Tom Treanor to me and me to Tom Treanor and we enjoyed it all. He always had a witty comment followed by pulling a funny face, and he did not mind spinning a tall yarn to get the craic going. He will be sadly missed.
To Ken Jr.; to his brothers and sisters, to his in-laws; to his nephews and nieces; to all his relatives and friends we offer our deepest sympathies. May he rest in peace.