JOHN ‘MACKEY’ MCKENNA

It’s with sadness we must report the passing of John ‘Mackey’ McKenna, a legend of Irish sport and a member of the famed greyhound family.

A brother to the late hall of fame trainer Ger McKenna and uncle to dual Derby winning handler Owen McKenna, John won four All-Ireland Hurling titles with Tipperary in the early sixties.  

John grew up around greyhounds and his love for the breed never waned during his hugely successful hurling career. In fact, there are stories of him bringing a dog to training on more than one occasion.

We would likely to extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Bernadette, children Laureen, John, Ruairí and Aoife, brother Tony, sister Philomena, his beloved grandchildren Malachy, Cathal, Juliette, Páraic, Conn and Eoin Mackey, extended family and many friends. May he Rest In Peace. 

Funeral Details

The death has occurred ofJohn `Mackey` McKenna

Newtown, Nenagh, Tipperary / Borrisokane, Tipperary

John `Mackey` McKenna, Newtown, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and formerly of The Square, Borrisokane, died peacefully, at University Hospital Limerick, surrounded by his family, on 23rd October 2025. 

Fondly remembered by his wife Bernadette and children Laureen, John, Ruairí and Aoife, brother Tony, sister Philomena, cherished grandchildren Malachy, Cathal, Juliette, Páraic, Conn and Eoin Mackey, daughters-in-law Elaine and Claire, sons-in-law Owen and Jon, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. 

Predeceased by his parents Malachy and Agnes and his siblings Paddy, Joe, Mal, Mike, Ger, Marguerite, Frank, Paul, Tim, Vincent, Noel and John. 

Reposing on Saturday 25th October at The Church of the Holy Spirit Youghalarra, (Newtown, Nenagh, E45 HD98), from 2pm until 4.30pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday at 11am in Newtown, followed by burial in Nenagh Road Cemetery, Borrisokane. Mackey's Funeral Mass can be viewed on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiRofKwA9iCCDSHYYs2dg 

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of St. Conlon's Home Nenagh and the Acute Coronary Care Unit, University Hospital Limerick for the excellent care shown to Mackey during his final illness. 

Family flowers only.