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It is with the deepest regret that we record the untimely death of our friend, historian and author Shane Kenna, following a long and hard battle against cancer bravely fought.
Words cannot describe our loss – not just of one of our best authors – but a best and generous friend too. Shane was that rare creature – a really nice and genuine person who was also an expert in his field.

He wrote two books for Kilmainham Tales and had promised us more. He wrote major books for other publishers. But he was also generous to us with his knowledge on other projects and so helpful always.

It was our great pleasure to work with him in Kilmainham Gaol when he was there and every day in his company was a valuable learning experience to be treasured. Road trips with him were memorable, and to get to listen to him give talks on diverse subjects including Tom Clarke was a privilege we shall sorely miss.

Shane was a giant in the field of History - making his mark with major books on the Fenians etc. But he had so much more to contribute ...
As one tribute online wrote:
"Laoch ar lár" - "Warrior down" (we've borrowed this for our title, it is so apt). But, in falling, Shane has joined that great panoply of heroes we rightly revere, heroes who loved our country, heroes who lived for it, heroes who gave their all to immortalise it.

Tá laoch ar lár … ach níl sé caillte”. “A hero has fallen … but he is not lost”, for 
Shane has now entered the pages of that history which he loved so well. But not as some mere footnote - no, he will have a chapter all his own, where he will stamp his authority on our past for our future. He will not be forgotten as long as any of us lives, as long as his books exist.

Even when we have all passed on and his books, eventually, may be forgotten, he will still have contributed to the richness and depth of our understanding of who and what we are as a nation and, even if forgotten in name, by clarifying our past, he will have shaped our future.

Shane may not have lived long, but he will live longer and have greater influence than all the rest of us together.

To his mother Olive, his brother John and his fiancée Edel, we can only offer our deepest and sincerest sympathies. We do not envy you your grief, though we share it. We offer our support, and assure you that we will be with you whenever you need us. Your loss is our loss and we suffer with you in your pain. The world .. your world ... our world ... is a poorer place today.

To Shane we say “Slán, a cara, agus míle buíochais. Thank you for all you did and gave. You remain part of us. Rest in peace, brave soldier, your work here is done”.

Ar dheis Dé go rabh Séaghan i measc na naomh go deo
Shane wrote 6 books during his brief lifetime:

For a brief biography visit this page

There are some online videos of Shane. Two of the best are here and here.
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