Jonathan McKENNA

Céad slán agus beannacht Jonathan. Solas na bhFlaitheas duit agus go dtuga Dia sólás dhaoibh-se uilig atá faoi bhrón. Words are insufficient to expess my sadness at the passing of dear friend and former colleague Jon.My deepest sympathies to Mary, Grandad John and his family and wide circle of friends and the staff of "Ollies". I had the honour of appointing him to the staff and from the first moment Lisa(his recruiter) introduced him and he flashed that endearing smile and said call me Jon, I knew I was in the presence of someone special - a real genuine character, a one in a million person whose presence would light up a room every time. It was the effect he had on and the help he offered to those who needed support that was his trademark and he made such a difference in their lives. He was better known in Malahide after 10 years than I was after 40. Go raibh leaba i measc na naomh agat - codladh sámh Jon.

Sincere condolences to Mary, John, and all of Johnathan’s beloved family, friends and colleagues.
Heartbroken. I will never forget our time in Moyle Park Language College in the front office together. The pranks you played, your performances, your elaborate lunch orders, the costumes, the fashion and the celebrations. Your impersonations, dance routines and singing never failed to entertain us and make us laugh. You looked after me like your little sister every summer. Thank you for all the memories.

Deepest sympathies to Mary & John on the tragic loss of Jonathan. Only heard the sad news when down in Annascaul this weekend. Keeping you in our thoughts at this difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.

My deepest condolences to Jonathan's family. I was lucky to have met Jonathan on a trip to Londons west end in 2019 through a mutual friend. He was, in no small part, the reason why that trip holds such a special place in my heart. Jonathan made me feel so welcome, as if we had been friends for years and his passion for musical theatre was infectious. We laughed til we cried and cried til we laughed. He was truly a special soul. May he rest in peace

He was a lovely person, and would do anything for anyone . I wish I could say more but his mother should be so proud. He saved my life before when I was in a very bad place

Mary and John, we are deeply saddened for your loss.Jonathan was one of those rare people who could move from the frivolous to the profound in moments. He had the ability to harness energy and spirit in a way which cut through boundaries with artistry and fervour. We will always honour his memory in our hearts and his spirit will live on in us in the most magical ways. Stay close. Until we meet again my friend.

My most sincere sympathy to Mary Jonathan’s Mum, his Grandad John and the entire McKenna on the loss of Jonathan.
I got to know Jonathon though his friendship with my son Ciaran during their student years in Marino and their early teaching lives together. He was a beautiful person and an amazingly good, loyal and fun friend. He was always so kind and respectful every time we met. A beautiful person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this the saddest of times

Jonathon… I love you and will miss you so much… you have made such an impact on my life and the fun and happy times we shared together are locked tightly in my heart.. from strictly come dancing to school musicals and countless days and nights out… to theatre trips and trips abroad. We did it all…we shared laughs and endless happy times together… to Mary and John…you were Jonathon’s world.. he loved you so much and you are both in my constant thoughts.
Thank you for the memories J xx love ya

My sincere condolences to Jonathan's family. I have many fond memories of him from Marino. He was the heart and sole of our class and was a very kind hearted person who looked out for everyone. Rest in peace Jonathan.

I was so saddened to hear about Jonathan’s death. What an incredibly fun and energetic guy. I was lucky enough to have met him and taught his class when I was on teaching placement years back. Sending love and strength to his family and colleagues at St Oliver Plunkett’s School. Xx 💜

We are still so shocked and saddened at the unexpected death of our dear colleague and friend Johnny. He was full of fun, laughter, creativity, mischief and devilment, never mind being my techie support!!! He loved nothing more than coming into the classroom with his bellowing voice and gesticulating hands, getting the kids all riled up and excited. He was a messer and joker with both teachers and kids alike and everyone loved his company! The school is definitely a quieter place now. I would like to extend my sincerest sympathy to his mother Mary and Grandad John, your loss is immeasurable. Jonathan will forever be in our thoughts and will be truly missed xxxx

I met Jonathan doing a show together for MMDS and was lucky enough to share the stage with him on numerous occasions.
He brought such fun, energy,, vibrance and love to all of our rehearsals, shows, nights out and WhatsApp groups. Rehearsals were never the same when he was missing.
I am so lucky to have met Jonathan and will miss him so much.
My condolences to Mary, John and his wider family and massive group of friends.
Keep shining up their J and spreading the love xx

My deepest sympathy to Mary, grandad John and the Mc Kenna family on the heart- breaking loss of your beloved Jonathan.Remembering Jonathan fondly from Clonburris .He was always such a lovely lad.You are in my thoughts and prayers.May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am. Jonathan was an important person in my life. One of my best friends. I will cherish all the memories. My thoughts are with Mary, his Grandad John and family during this sad time xx

My condolences and love to Mary, John and all the family.

I met Johnny about 8/9 years ago at Sean’s birthday. Full of joy, laughter and love. I will miss his infectious personality & great sense of humour. I cannot believe I will never see his smiling face again. Im so glad I have so many treasured memories with him. He will never been forgotten. RIP Johnny.

Dear Johnny, I first met you at a Lady Gaga gig in Dublin and, to me, you were the star of that show. Thank you. Love you for ever. Arantxa (Spain)

My heartfelt condolences to Jonathan‘s mother, his grandad and all of his family and friends. I had the pleasure of talking part in a show with Jonathan in MMDS and he such a bubbly, fun and energetic character. It brought me great sadness to hear of his untimely passing. He was a huge part of the musical society and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Jonathan.

A great teacher who looked after us all, RIP

Mary, my heartfelt condolences to you and the family at this incredibly sad time.

Mary I am absolutely heartbroken for you & your family on the loss of your beautiful son Jonathan. May he rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts & prayers at this very sad time.

Jonny, there aren't enough words to full encapsulate everything that you were. You were always the life and soul of the party bringing us fierce dance routine, amazing lipsyncs and quick change costume reveals. I will always have amazing memories of standing on the sidelines cheering you on while you perform your latest routine for all your friends. You will always be our icon, our diva and our friend and I know I will miss you for the rest of my live. RIP girl

What a dreadful loss.
Wonderful teacher in St Olivers
My heartfelt condolences to his Mother and extended family. Rip

Sincere condolences to all of Jonathan’s family and friends.
Jonathan played such a positive part in our class in Marino. He added such fun, enthusiasm and drama to our college days. So many of my Marino memories involve him and I hope he knew how highly he was thought of.
Rest in peace x

My heart is broken to hear of the tragic loss of Jonathan. I had the privilege of working with him at Moyle Park summer school where he was not only brilliant at his job but also a ray of sunshine and a person sure to put a smile on your face whenever you met him. We had so much fun over those summers.

My heartfelt condolences to Jonathan’s family. I hope you can find some solace at this difficult time in the knowledge that he touched so many hearts and was loved and treasured by so many. He will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace, Jonathan.

I remember meeting Jonathan for the first time when he was in his late teens/early twenties in Moyle Park Summer School. I was amazed by his efficiency and organisational skills for such a young guy. Everything he did in Moyle Park he did with immense precision. Jonathan was taken far before his time, his candle was extinguished far too soon. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Jonathan’s mother Mary, Grandad John, extended family, friends and colleagues.

Many happy memories of Jonathan from our time together in Marino.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Jonathon was one of the most amazing, vibrant, hilarious, talented, unique & wonderful people I had ever met. I was so lucky to live with him for a year, to spend hours upon hours rehearsing for shows with him, to spend many evenings having too much wine with him, to feel his love and friendship and to really get to know him. The world won’t be the same without Jonathon. He was such a bright wonderful light. I will forever love him and cherish all of our memories. My sincere condolences to his beautiful mother Mary & his grandad who he adored. Also to all his extended family and friends.

Johnny..
Thank you for giving me one of the most precious,special and favourite friendships of my life .
Your were kind, fun,bright,vivacious and so everything else that is beautiful and special in equal measures.
You showed me such loyalty through my own challenges in “Keeland “as we used to call it!
I’m not sure how I will manage now without your presence that was full of excitement,mischief and love..
My treasured memories of all we achieved and experienced together will be forever stored in the Johnny compartment of my heart.

To Mary and John-
I have the deepest admiration for you both.I am in awe of your strength and I am beyond devastated for you both.
I will always be here for you.

To Jonathans family and friends,I am truly gutted and so sorry for your incredible loss .

The list of things I will miss about you J are endless,but some of them include -your sincerity, kindness, patience, intelligence,your fun and sometimes unrealistic ideas!
Our wacky long voice notes to each other,our silly boomerangs,our heart to heart serious chats,nights out,our classroom banter.
You embraced my weird little ways and we loved each other unconditionally.
Thank you for teaching me that less is not always more!😂
Lucy Lu will miss you so much and loves you dearly too.
Thank you for loving me and for being such an amazing and unforgettable part of my life .
Rest in peace my incredible beautiful pal.
I love you so so much.
Keels💔x

There are no adequate words to offer in consolation for your huge loss Mary. May Jonathan rest in peace. In my thoughts and prayers.

Sincere sympathy to Mary, Grandad John and all the McKENNA family on the sad loss of Jonathan.
May he rest in peace.

My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Jonathan’s family and friends. At Marino , He was an ever ray of sunshine, with the brightest smile, infectious laugh and generous heart, We shared a mutual appreciation for the musicals which we enjoyed chatting about when I had the pleasure of his company on my commute if I could pick him up at Liffey valley.
He was devoted to his family and very wide circle of friends.
I pray he knew how much he touched everyone’s life. May his gentle souls rest in peace.

Our Deepest condolences to Jonathan's Mum, Grandad, family and friends. on their devastating loss. May Johnathan rest in peace, he was a shining light and much loved teacher, his kindness was so bright. He will be deeply missed. Marie & Declan Moran

Dearest Mary

I unfortunately didn't have the pleasure of meeting your beautiful son Jonathan personally but knew of him through mutual friends. The news of his passing honestly cut my heart like a knife. I knew how I would feel were he my own son. You have been on my mind so much.
His funeral mass was one of the saddest yet heart warming masses I've ever seen. Those two beautiful best friends of his, well, it's clear to say he's holding the best bed in heaven for them both when he'll be reunited with them.
Mary if there's one thing I could say to try to take even a pinch of your pain away, well, it's this

" May you be rescued on the days that grief floods your heart ,

May you eventually inhale deep joy in precious memories

May you lean into your friends and family as you take tiny steps toward the future.

May your soul find comfort knowing there will be a heavenly reunion"....

Sleep tight Jonny , guide your broken hearted mother ...she needs you now more than ever.

God bless you all ❤️

Sending our deepest sympathies to Mary, Grandad, family, friends and colleagues on the devastating loss of Jonathan.

Jonathan was a wonderful teacher to our children in Ollies and we thank him for his unique and fun loving nature. He was so caring and kind and he will never be forgotten.

May he rest in peace

Sincere condolences to Jonathan’s mum, grandad, aunts uncles and cousins on your immeasurable loss. I first met Jonathan while doing a show in Malahide in 2018. Warmth, humour and charisma just emanated from him. He had an innate ability to bring people together in friendship. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Rest in eternal peace, Jonathan.

Our deepest condolences to Mary, John and all of Johnny's family. He was a beautiful person and he will be so greatly missed. His whit and entertainment was unmatchable. We will be thinking of you all through the weeks ahead.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jonathan's mother and family on your heartbreaking loss. Jonathan was a kind and genuine soul. His love for music and performance was infectious. Our days in Marino would certainly have been very dull without him. Rest in Peace Jonathan.

Jonathan was a huge part of my four years in Marino. He took me under his wing and was such a good friend to me. I would have been lost without him. My favourite memories are the Trinity Mondays when we spent the time between lectures roaming around the city centre treating ourselves to nice lunches, cinema trips and lots of shopping!!! He was the life and soul of our year. Every college memory is surrounded by Jonathan with his smile and infectious laugh. He was such a special person, an amazing teacher and friend. Sincere condolences to his Mum and extended family. He will be so missed by everyone who knew him. Rest In Peace Jonathan xxx

Sincere condolences to Jonathans mother, his extended family, friends, and colleagues.
Jonathan gave my daughter Maths grinds after school.
He was more than just her teacher he gave support, care and reassurance selflessly during a very difficult time.
Your presence and thoughtfulness will be sorely missed Jonathan, Rest in peace. Xx

Deepest condolences to Jonathan's family on their devastating loss. May he RIP

My sincere condolences to Jonathan's Mam, his family, friends, colleagues and students on this immeasurable loss. I worked with Jonathan for a few years in the Moyle Pk English Language College. He simply oozed charisma. He was so kind, helpful, warm and welcoming to everyone there. I also remember him regularly on the intercom making announcements in perfect Spanish. So talented. An absolutely unforgettable guy. Rest in Peace Jonathan.

My deepest condolences to Mary, Grandad John and all of Jonathan's family and friends. I never got a chance to know you properly but I had the privilege of hearing many hilarious stories about you from your amazing colleagues and friends in Ollies. You were truly loved, this is so evidently clear. RIP Jonathan xxx

Deepest sympathy to Jonathan’s family, friends and colleagues. Even though I was not in Jonathan’s year in Marino, he really was the life and soul of the college. May he Rest In Peace.

To Mary, all the family, colleagues and friends of Jonathan.

We are so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful soul.

I knew Jonathan mostly through my visits to Ollie P’s over the years. I always made a beeline towards Jonathan as he was always ready for the chat, craic, to update me with any news and we would always end up having a great laugh!

You would be the better for meeting him.

Such a warm, sincere and loveable character who was really genuine and looked out for everyone. We also had a common bond through music & Musical Theatre. Rest in Peace my friend. Thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time

From Ciarán Payne, CJ Fallon & all at Rush Musical Society.

I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences to Mary and Jonathan's family.

I met Jonathan in 2016 and had one of the best years of my life. He was such an outgoing, unique and spontaneous person and was always up for having a laugh, From joining Malahide Musical Society, going to concerts and shows, celebrating with friends and trips to the West End, we had some great times. Jonathan had a brilliant wide circle of friends and I am so lucky to have also met them. Most importantly, he was an extremely kind person and would really go out of his way to help others. He was so thoughtful and I cherish all of the wonderful memories we have together. Thank you for being a wonderful friend and boyfriend. May you rest in peace x

Deepest condolences to Jonathon's family and friends. It was a pleasure and joy to have known him. A wonderful, kind thoughtful man with a big personality and heart.

My sincerest condolences to Jonathan’s Mother, Mary and to all of his family and extended group of friends.

Jonathan was a few years ahead of me in Moyle Park, where we got to know each other through the Student Council, Irish Board of Speech and Drama exams, school history trips and many other shared interests.

I always admired his ability to be absolutely his authentic self, even in the context of a world that wasn’t always as accepting as it should be. His strength helped to give me the strength to be who I was, particularly in my later years in school. I have fond memories in particular of the school trip to Berlin in 2006 and all of the great craic we all had there.

I last seen Jonathan just before the first COVID lockdown. I was in Malahide, visiting his school to learn about their School Streets project. I could see so clearly how much all of the children respected and loved him. I’ve no doubt he will be dearly missed. The world is a lot less colourful today.

RIP Shining Star, U were one in a million. Find the peace and look down on everyone through this time. xxx

Mary, our deepest condolences to you and the family at this very said time . May Jonathan rest in peace.

Johnny boy, what can I say, always reaching for the stars, now you can sing and dance among them. Keep shining bright. ✨️

Jonathan we only had a short friendship but your smile, infectious enthusiasm for life and sincere warmth showed what a wonderful person you were. Our 'phoney German accents' still brings a smile to my face. You were a ray of light in a dark world and I wish your family and friends my sincere condolences on your untimely passing. RIP

Deepest sympathies to Jonathan’s family and friends. A very kind and caring teacher that will be sadly missed by all that knew him including my son who remembers him fondly from his time in Ollie’s. Rest in peace Mr. McKenna.

Deepest condolences to your family at this sad time. Mr McKenna was such a caring person, patient and helped with so many things at school. He will be sadly missed by everyone. May he rest in peace.

Jonathan, I only met you a few times over the years but they were always full of sparkle, joy and laughter. You brought so much light to this world. My deepest sympathies to your family. May you rest in peace x

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to Jonathan's family and friends.

I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan in Ollies at the start of my teaching career. You always knew when Jonathan was involved you were bound to have fun. We bonded over our love of music and dance and spent many days and weeks together rehearsing for Strictly Come Dancing and Stars in Your Eyes - he was the greatest cheerleader you could ask for. Jonathan always lit up the room. He will be so missed. I'll never forget the fun times we all had together.

I only had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan a handful of times many years ago through mutual friends. But such was his charisma, energy and sparkle that I still remember him and those few encounters very fondly all these years later. He really did touch everyone he met. My deepest sympathy to Jonathan’s mum and all his family. Rest in peace Jonathan x

Sincere condolences to Mary, John, Mick, Ciaran, Deirdre, Denise, Lucy, Grace, Adam and Conall and all of Jonathan’s relatives, neighbours, colleagues, students and friends. I only met Jonathan on a few occasions a long number of years ago via his good friend Niamh but he was an unforgettable man. He was bubbly, fun, energetic and welcoming. His spirit was bright and I can only imagine how much he will be missed by you all. May he rest peacefully in the arms of the angels.

Jonathan, if only you knew how much you were needed. Your compassion, your flair, your enthusiasm and your friendship knew no bounds. You were infectious and added a layer that we all so desperately crave right now. St Oliver Plunketts shines a lot less brightly in your absence. We pray that a special place is now benefiting from your love and kindness, we hope that you are finally at peace there. Thinking of your beautiful Mam and your special Grandad at this time. X

My deepest condolences to the McKenna family on the sad loss of Jonathan such a wonderful man with a big heart ❤️ he will be sadly missed
Jacinta
Malahide

We are truly devastated to hear of Jonathan's passing. We send heartfelt condolences to his Mam and the entire family. Jonathan was one of a kind, the headline act to our college days. There is not a single event I can recall that he did not have a hand in planning. He was fully committed to his role as SU President and was also a proud and dedicated teacher who put his heart and soul into his profession. Above all, he was a kind and brave man who was unapologetically his authentic self. Forever written into the history books of Coláiste Mhuire Marino. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.