Mick Kenny

Mick Kenny (1893-1959) was an Irish sportsperson who played hurling with Galway in the 1920s.

Mick Kenny was born in Feogh, Duniry, County Galway in 1893. Born into a family of ten he was educated locally and subsequently worked in various shops in his locality. Many of his brothers and sisters emigrated to the United States but Kenny stayed in Ireland and secured a Land Commission farm in Portumna. He played hurling with his local club Tynagh, a clkub which was regarded as the leading Galway club of the time. Kenny showed great skill as a hurler and he quickly joined the Galway senior inter-county team. He made his debut in the 1922 All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary, however, he ended up on the losing side that day.

Galway returned in 1923 and had a very successful year. They beat the reigning champions, Kilkenny, in the All-Ireland semi-final before beating Limerick in the final. It was Galway’s first-ever All-Ireland title and Kenny was captain. He had the honour of scoring his team’s first goal in the All-Ireland final, as well as being the third captain to receive the new Liam McCarthy Cup. Kenny was captain again in 1924, however, in spite of reaching the final his side was beaten by Dublin. He retired from the game shortly afterwards. In retirement Kenny worked on his farm. He married twice and had four daughters.

Mick Kenny died on 25 June, 1959.