“Driven determined devoted”
“James possessed an unwavering commitment to excellence and high performance in everything he undertook.”
“A dedicated disciplined and hard working player, a gentleman loved by his coaches and team mates.”
“Hard work, leadership, dedication, passion for doing what he loved, football and helping others achieve their goals.”
“A proud Kilkenny man, a warrior on and off the pitch”
“An amazing inspiration, your positive words always motivated everyone to do a little better.”
Just some of the comments from around the world as news of James’ passing spread.
James Kenny born in Luton on 2nd February 1994. His early years were spent in Luton and Cork before the family moved to Clomantagh, the family home place, in 2001. From there on James’ life was one of sport, hurling with the Emeralds and football with Freshford Town FC. He played through all age groups with the Emeralds winning league and championship titles along the way up to Intermediate/Junior level. It was on the soccer pitch where it was evident he had a great love and understanding of the game. Freshford Town winning leagues and cups, Kilkenny U16 scoring the winning goal against Wexford FC, Carlow/Wexford U19 League of Ireland, 2011 Leinster provincial all Ireland champs,Waterford IT A Team colleges All Ireland final, where he got a degree in Sport and business management.
Once college was over it was off to Norway where he worked as a personal trainer and football coach in 2014. In 2018 he moved to Sydney, Australia where sport played a big part by way of hurling for St. Pats GAA. In 2019 following a few months travelling south east Asia he decided to settle in Cambodia where he started work as a PE Teacher in an international school. He joined Coirde Khmer GAA and Rith Phnom Penh FC where he took on player/coach roles and enjoyed success with both. In 2022 illness brought him back home and unfortunately on 12th November 2023 James passed away following a hard battle with colo-rectal cancer. He was predeceased by his grandmother Kathleen and his aunt Louise. He is deeply mourned by his father Jimmy , his stepmother Colette, mother Louise, stepfather Jack, his devoted partner Timz, brother Ollie, sisters Laura, Rebecca,Lily, Emma, stepsisters Kelly, Danielle, Lauren, Shannon, grandfather Ollie, brothers in law, sister in law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles ,cousins, and extended family and wide circle of friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended
James’ months mind mass will take place in Graine Church on 15th December at 7pm.
James’ family would like to thank everyone who helped so much during the funeral and the difficult days that followed.
