D’unbelievable Irish Comedy Of Jon Kenny (1957-2024)

Jon Kenny rose to fame in the early 1990s in Ireland as co-creator of D’Unbelievables, with his comedic partner Pat Shortt. They went on to sell out large venues in Ireland and perform for diaspora audiences in Australia, UK, US, and even Zambia. Most Irish households owned at least one of their videos or DVDs.  Kenny’s screen credits include two episodes of Fr Ted, including his infamous turn as compère Fred Rickwood in ‘A Song for Europe’. He appeared (briefly) in several films, including Angela’s Ashes, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie, and Banshees of Inisherin.

This talk will place Jon Kenny in the Irish comic tradition alongside Flann O’Brien, Brendan Behan, Samuel Beckett, and John B Keane.

It will feature clips from such classic characters as Jack at ‘Bridie’s Christening’, Timmy Ryan the manic ‘Hurling Coach’, and Willie from ‘The Back of the Church’. If participants want to do some enjoyable preparation beforehand, seek out those performances and his other work on YouTube.

Whether or not you’re familiar with Jon Kenny’s work, or Irish comedy in general, come along to see why Irish eyes were always smiling for this lad from Co Limerick

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It’s the eve of St Patrick’s Day. Feel free to wear your GAA jersey, Pogues’ tie, or bunch of shamrock, though it’s fine not to. Barm brack and Tayto will be served, with cups of Barry’s tea. (Other crisps  and taybags are available.)

Deirdre O’Byrne has been a key figure in local Irish cultural events for many years, and works part time at Five Leaves Bookshop. This talk is illustrated, including by film and television clips.