12-06-2025
Shock after sudden death of Kilkenny priest whose ‘compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of many'
Msgr Kennedy, who was the Episcopal Vicar for Family and Social Affairs for the diocese and the parish priest for Freshford, died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at his home on Tuesday, June 10.
Born in Dublin, Msgr Kennedy studied for the priesthood in Rome, where he was director of the Irish Holy Year Office after ordination in 1975.
Since then, Msgr Kennedy lived in London and St. Canice's Parish in Co Kilkenny, before being appointed parish priest of the parish of Freshford in October of 2018.
Before taking up his appointment in the parish of Freshford, Msgr Kennedy had served as president of St. Kieran's College and the Administrator in St. Mary's Cathedral with Bishop Seamus Freeman.
Homeless service, The Good Shepherd Centre Kilkenny (GSCK), which Msgr Kennedy helped set up, paid tribute to a man 'whose compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of many'.
"The Board, staff and friends of the Good Shepherd Centre Kilkenny (GSCK) would like to pay tribute to Monsignor Kieron Kennedy who sadly passed away suddenly [on Tuesday]. Monsignor Kennedy was a founding board member of the GSCK and Tar Isteach Housing.
'A man whose compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of many, especially those society too often overlooks. His dedication to the homeless was not a matter of duty but of deep, lived commitment to human dignity and social justice.
"Through his service on the boards of the Good Shepherd Centre and Tar Isteach Housing, Monsignor Kennedy worked to ensure that those in need had not only shelter, but hope and respect. He believed that every person deserves a place to call home.'
Tributes are also pouring in on as the community comes together to remember a man who was a friend to everyone.
'He was a good friend and a very holy priest,' wrote a mourner on 'I was shocked when I received the news of his passing. I will miss him a lot.
ADVERTISEMENT
"He and the team kept a beautiful church in Freshford. I loved the soft music which he had played constantly in the church in Freshford, it has been a most prayerful place.
"Thank God for his smile and few words of welcome at Holy Communion too. He was a good friend to my family as well. May God rest his peaceful soul.'
"Monsignor was a lovely man may God bless his soul,' added another mourner.
Msgr Kennedy's funeral will arrive at St. Lachtain's Church in Freshford on Saturday, June 14 at 7pm, with his remains reposing in the church overnight.
Funeral prayers will take place on Sunday, June 15 at 5.30pm, followed by removal to St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny, arriving for reception prayers at 7pm.
Requiem mass will take place on Monday, June 16 at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Foulkstown Cemetery in Co Kilkenny.
"Unexpectedly, but peacefully at his residence on Tuesday June 10, 2025,' read his death notice on
"Pre-deceased by his parents, Daniel and Mildred.
"Monsignor Kieron will be inconsolably missed by his sisters Miriam and Dorothy, his brother Donal, brother-in-law Tim, beloved nieces and nephews Sarah and Daniel, Donal, David and Leah, sister-in-law Shelley, Bishop Niall Coll and Priests and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Ossory, close family friends Bishop William Crean, Bishop Jim Curry and Monsignor Martin Hayes and Sr. Therese Gillis who have journeyed with him for many years, relatives, neighbours and friends.
"I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn.'
