'He was a one off'

Mary McEvoy pays tribute to John Kenny

Mary McEvoy has led the local tributes to comedian and actor John Kenny, who passed way on Friday.

Speaking to Brendan O'Connor on RTE Radio One on Saturday, hours after Mr Kenny's family issued a statement confirming his death, an emotional Ms McEvoy described her friend and colleague as a "one off" and someone who was a "huge part of my life and everybody's life".

"He was bonkers, bonkers in the best possible way. He always had to create. He had to be creating.

"He couldn't let something lie. He was always working at something."

One of Ireland's greatest comedic talents, Ms McEvoy said that Kenny was "a consummate professional and took it nearly too seriously".

Kenny and McEvoy performed alongside each other in a production of the John B Keane play The Matchmaker for over four years. She has fond memories of the time they spent together off stage, she told O'Connor.

"When we'd go up the North, he'd always travel with me, to Belfast or wherever we were going. I don't know how I didn't end up in the ditch laughing at the antics of him. He just couldn't stop. He was just on all the time, but in a really good way, not in a look at me way, in a way, just almost innocent.

"He had the most exquisite singing voice, absolutely exquisite. He often burst into song in the car just for the craic. It was a pleasure to listen to him."

In a post on social media, Mullingar Arts Centre also paid tribute to the Limerick native.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Kenny. Jon graced our stage many times through the years and was a unique talent who will be deeply missed."