This is the biography of a remarkable Irishman who received his early education in the back streets of Dublin towards the end of the eighteenth century, and went on to study for the priesthood in the re-emerging Society of Jesus in England and Sicily. In Sicily he ministered to the Irish troops and naval personnel who formed part of the British force defending the island against Napoleon. On returning to Ireland he acted as Vice-President of Maynooth College, and, in face of much opposition, including questions in the House of Commons, established the Jesuit College of Clongowes Wood, followed by a residence and church in Dublin, and a residence in the midlands. In conjunction with his friend, Archbishop Murray of Dublin, he also played a key role as guide and spiritual director to a number of religious congregations, especially the Irish Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Loreto.Kenney's greatest contribution to the Church, however, occurred in the United States, to which he was twice sent by the Jesuit General as his official Visitor and Overall Superior, in 1819-20 and 1830-3. American Jesuit historians have remarked on his courage, ability, and humanity as he covered great distances and sought to bring about harmony where there were national differences, and to focus and motivate the educational apostolate while not neglecting the order's commitment to the American Indians nor the attention due the slaves on the Jesuit farms.Back in Ireland, his work for all ranks of society, from bishops to cabmen, earned him the title 'Apostle of Dublin and ... of Ireland at large'. He was appointed to represent the Irish vice-province at a congregation of the order at Rome and shortly after arriving in Rome, he died, attended by the members of the congregation and the Jesuit General.
