Shock and grief in Kilkenny at sudden death of popular parish priest Monsignor Kieron Kennedy
Mgsr Kieron Kennedy was parish priest of Freshford since 2018, previously had roles at St Canice's Parish, St Mary's Cathedral, and St Kieran's College
Communities in Freshford and Kilkenny City are in mourning today following the sudden death of popular parish priest Monsignor Kieron Kennedy.
Msgr Kennedy (74) was the parish priest in Freshford since 2018. He was found dead at home in the parochial house yesterday afternoon, and his body was later removed for a post-mortem.
Msgr Kennedy was Episcopal Vicar for Family and Social Affairs for the diocese. The son of a Callan-based garda, a young Kieron Kennedy studied for the priesthood in Rome, where he was director of the Irish Holy Year Office after his ordination in 1974.
He had numerous roles in Kilkenny, including in St Canice's Parish, Kilkenny also serving as president of St Kieran's College and the administrator in St Mary's Cathedral with Bishop Seamus Freeman, before his appointment in the Parish of Freshford in October 2018. He remained very involved in different organisations in Kilkenny City, including the local Meals on Wheels distribution service.
Funeral details have yet to be announced.