Capt Gerald A Kenny served in the Defence Forces from 1950 until 1972, when he retired voluntarily.
Born in Dublin in 1931, he attended national school at Iona Road and St Vincent's. In Rockwell College he quickly demonstrated his athletic ability and the overall expertise which stood him well in team games, particularly rugby and hurling. He represented his college in these events at junior and senior levels and was team captain on occasions. The college annual noted his leadership qualities. He also represented his province in rugby and athletics at senior grade.
On entering the Defence Forces in November 1950, he represented Military College and Curragh Command in major Army competitions. He also excelled at basketball and won the Curragh Command welterweight boxing competition. During his cadet days, he demonstrated his skill at card games, particularly poker. He invariably sat at the head of the card table where he could survey the opposition and dominate proceedings. When he reached for his wallet during large pots, it was time to die unless you had a full house or better. He took no prisoners and, as a result, earned himself the title "the sheriff".
Commissioned in November 1952, he was posted to Collins Barracks, Cork. He was to win All Army medals in rugby and Gaelic and was a member of the 4th Battalion team that won the Medical Services cup in 1954. He was Army discus champion in 1958.
In 1953, he joined Sunday's Well rugby club. He represented his club in all senior competitions from 1953 to 1958. He won a Munster Senior Cup medal in 1953 when the club defeated Garryowen in the final. He played right wing on the heroic Munster team which was narrowly defeated by the All Blacks at the Mardyke on January 13th, 1954. New Zealand scored a try after seven minutes, but Gerry scored a try in the 39th minute to level the game. In lost time, Tanner scored a try for the All Blacks to give them victory. This late try deprived Munster of the division of honours that they had deserved. In 1958 Gerry returned to Dublin, where he continued his playing career with Bective Rangers.
He served in the Eastern Command until retirement in 1972. He saw service overseas in Cyprus with 21st Infantry Group. His son, Barry, followed him into the Defence Forces and is now serving in Eritrea as a transport captain. After retirement from the Defence Forces, he established a successful family business with the assistance of his wife, Kay. In latter years, he developed a keen interest in history and travelled extensively in Europe, North America and Cuba.
His many friends will remember him as a warm, human person with an extremely pleasant personality. He never lost his cool and made many friends but no enemies during his career. Sadly, his five brothers pre-deceased him, which naturally caused him much grief in latter years.
We bade our final farewell to him at Shanganagh Cemetery on Saturday September 29th. In his homily in St Brigid's Church, Cabinteely, Father Tom O'Keeffe paid a warm and deserved tribute. As the bearer party under Sgt Christy Mahon carried his remains from the church, Cpl Joe Meade movingly played Farewell to Camraw. Later at the graveside, he played Raglan Road and Amazing Grace.
On behalf of his many colleagues and friends, I offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Kay, and daughters Liza and Grβinne, sons Brian and Barry, grandchildren and relatives.
"May he rest in peace".
N.H.