The beloved comedian died on Friday aged 66 at University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his wife Margy and children Aran and Leah.

He was best known as one half of d’Unbelievables duo with Pat Shortt, and for his roles in Dad Ted, Angela’s ashesand more recently, Banshees of Inisherin.

Jon Kenny’s life was remembered by several symbols, including a guitar, Limerick and Munster Rugby flags, as well as a book of poems. Before the tribute, The Mary Wallopers and Sharon Shannon played in his honor.

Broadcaster John Creedon led the tribute to his dear friend, who “sprinkled that laughing dust wherever he went”.

“To say he was a remarkable man, I think, would be a huge understatement,” he began.

Using the Irish word laoch mór, which means warrior, he said: “He came into life charging and he fought through 20 years of illness, good days as well as bad, but he fought on the game. He was always Jon , he was never anything but Jon and the show always went on.”

Mr Creedon described Kenny as “pure Celtic”, as he was always guided “by the heart”. He also recalled the first time they met, saying his friend always had “room for just one more”. He remembered his friend’s “Rastafarian” phase before being interrupted by Mr Kenny’s dogs, who also wanted to pay their respects.

Once upon a time, Mr Kenny had called Mr Creedon to ask to go on an overbooked flight of Cork City fans going to the Czech Republic to watch them play in Uefa Cup qualifying. Mr Kenny arrived at the last minute, with no bag, no clothes – just a riding helmet in the boot.

The broadcaster noted that the clown is often said to be the most sensitive person in the circus – and his pal had “sensitivity in spades”.

“Jon Kenny had compassion for all of us. It was the genuine depth of love and compassion for people that informed the remarkable performances and the remarkable life,” he continued.

He then shared a text sent by Mr Kenny, who was working on a collection of writings, some of which read: “I want to create a world that the audience can walk into with me. It’s not stand-up, and it’s not a piece. I don’t know what it is, but I will when I find it.”

Mr Creedon continued: “He was always reaching for that unmanifested magic”.

“So often he found it and he brought it back and he showed us and enlightened our whole lives with it. But I really want to thank Margy and Leah and Aran. Thank you guys so much for sharing Jon with us.”

After the tribute, Leah Kenny read one of her father’s poems, which ended with the lines: “Between two worlds, you heathen golden son. Then write on the deal, your name is Jon”.

Margy Kenny then thanked the crowd for the “outpouring of love” the family received following her husband’s passing.

“We’ve just been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Jon that we’ve felt everywhere. And actually today I feel this so strongly. I know tomorrow we’re going to collapse, but today we feel joy and love and you’ve made it all possible” , she began.

When she fell in love with Mr. Kenny in 1983, what she loved most about him was the love he had for others.

“He would often come home late at night after doing a show, playing music, and he would keep me up half the night, telling me about some wonderful people he had just met, the great conversations he had. I was amazed at the amazing time he had for everyone,” she continued.

After thanking the hospital staff who cared for Mr Kenny, she said: “He loved you all and thank you for showing him your love. Of course he gave Aran, Leah and myself buckets of love over the years and for that we feel truly privileged to have shared that love.”