Pat Shortt has paid tribute to his D'Unbelievables co-star Jon Kenny after the news was released yesterday of his passing.
The comedy legend died in Galway Clinic on Friday, 15 November, at the age of only 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The Limerick native was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma for the first time back in 2000, and unfortunately the disease came back in 2020, which required him to have significant surgery on his lungs.
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Jon started chemotherapy again, which was successful. However, he ended up in heart failure. Earlier this year, he had said his condition was "under control".
Pat Shortt has paid tribute to his good friend and former colleague, as he took to social media to write: "We are all devastated with the news of Jon Passing and our thoughts are with Margy Aaron and Leah. 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 rehersal 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."
In an interview with the Sunday World, Pat added: “Jon was incredibly creative. He’s the funniest guy I ever met. I don’t think I’ll ever meet anyone that is funnier because, impromptu, he could go off on a stream of madness. But there was depth in what he was doing.
“Jon was very intelligent, very smart. He was severely dyslexic and sometimes what happens there is that the creative side comes out more because you have to cope with a lot of things that other people don’t have to. And definitely it seemed to trigger Jon’s creative genius.”
In a statement to The Limerick Leader yesterday, Jon's family said: "It is with deep sadness, the family of Jon Kenny, his wife and soul-mate Margy, his son Aran and daughter Laya, wish to announce his passing yesterday, 15th November 2024 at 7.20pm, in hospital in Galway.
"Jon had suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday 10th November at UHG (University Hospital Galway). He did not regain consciousness, but his entire family was by his side during this difficult time.
"Jon grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could, getting every ounce of fun, madness and love from it - his wit, humour, generosity and kindness will outlast his passing. The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend."
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