Ralph Kenna

I was fortunate to conduct my thesis under the guidance of Ralph. Ralph was an inspiring, tireless, and passionate supervisor who always gave so much of himself to ensure our well-being. A dedicated mentor and friend, he stood by us until the very end, a perpetual fighter in life for numerous causes and against illness. He was a dear and unique person to me, someone who left a lasting impact and inspired me in countless ways. I couldn't have dreamed of a better mentor than Ralph, and I thank you immensely for everything you have brought into my life. I will always approach physics the way you taught me. He will be sorely missed.

My deepest sympathy to Ralph’s family, Claire and Róisín. May Ralph rest in Peace.

Despite it being "a long time coming" news of your passing still came as a huge shock and many weeks later it still doesn't feel real.

You'll be pleased to know I finally made it to Ireland, sadly not to experience Ireland's hospitality and rich history with you but, to lay you to rest. Every beer without you will taste that little bit more bitter.

Your generous words and nature, your kind, considerate actions will be sorely missed. The many kind words that have been spoken in tribute to you would have made you blush out of modesty even though none of them did your true character justice. It's truly amazing how many lives you touched and changed.

Words escape me now and even though I was fortunate to have told you how much your friendship meant to me when you were still alive I still feel they were insufficient and yearn for the chance to have one more beer with you.

To borrow words from WB Yeats - with your passing "the world is more full of weeping than you will ever know", mon ami.

My sincere condolences to Irene, Rhona, Barry, wife, Claire, and daughter, Roisin. And the rest of Ralph's family.

Thank you for the many memories and fantastic people you introduced me to. Rest easy my dear, dear friend.

David

Despite it being "a long time coming" news of your passing still came as a huge shock and many weeks later it still doesn't feel real.

You'll be pleased to know I finally made it to Ireland, sadly not to experience Ireland's hospitality and rich history with you but, to lay you to rest. Every beer without you will taste that little bit more bitter.

Your generous words and nature, your kind, considerate actions will be sorely missed. The many kind words that have been spoken in tribute to you would have made you blush out of modesty even though none of them did your true character justice. It's truly amazing how many lives you touched and changed.

Words escape me now and even though I was fortunate to have told you how much your friendship meant to me when you were still alive I still feel they were insufficient and yearn for the chance to have one more beer with you.

To borrow words from WB Yeats - with your passing "the world is more full of weeping than you will ever know", mon ami.

My sincere condolences to Irene, Rhona, Barry, wife, Claire, and daughter, Roisin. And the rest of Ralph's family.

Thank you for the many memories and fantastic people you introduced me to. Rest easy my dear, dear friend.

David

Thinking of you all as Ralph’s Month’s Mind comes up. Deepest sympathies to Barry and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.

Sincere condolences to the Kenna family on the passing of Ralph. May he rest in peace.

From Jack, Mary and Family.

Deepest sympathy to the Kenna family on your sad loss. Ralph was a scholar and a gentleman.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

It is a very sad news for me. Ralph was such a special person I had the privilege of meeting him at Coventry University during my PhD between 2003 and 2006. We had several good chats on science, life and philosophy of Maths during coffee breaks. I wish we could meet again. My deepest sympathy to all the family. Rest in peace Ralph. I will always remember you with great memories.

Sleep easy Ralf. Condolence to your family

My sincere condolences to Claire, Róisín and all of Ralph's family and friends on your tremendous loss. There were four of us in the TCD Theoretical Physics class graduating in 1985: Ralph, Jason Twamley, Kieron Burke and myself, and I have some really great memories of the four of us in those times. Afterwards we were scattered to the corners of the globe, so we never managed to get back together for a reunion of the four of us - much to my deep regret. Coincidentally, the same week that the world lost Ralph, we also lost one of our dear teachers from those four great years in TCD - Prof Petros Florides. We remember them both fondly. May they rest in peace.

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Ralph. Myself and Ralph worked together in Trinity for a number of years - and my best memories of my time there are with him. He had an incredible talent to bring people with no obvious common ground together, and organise the most amazing, fun nights out. He was so filled with integrity, and goodness, and brought out the best in everyone. He treated everyone with the utmost respect, and as an equal - with no ego, and no arrogance in spite of his own intelligence. A humble, kind man - an absolute gentleman. He was a great friend to me over the years - and even up to recent times he was a trusted friend and sounding board. In spite of having been watching out for the funeral details online during the week, somehow I missed the update - and was so sorry to not be there today to pay my respects to Claire and Roisin, and to the rest of the Kenna family. I’m still in touch with some friends from my days in Trinity, and every time we meet we all agree that Trinity was never the same after Ralph left. I watched the service online this evening - and it was so lovely to see how many lives he touched and how fondly he is remembered. I think that it’s testament to Ralph’s lovely family that just about every friend who spoke about him, and every condolence online has referred to his integrity and what a gentleman he was. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Claire, Roisin and the Kenna family. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Such a fitting and lovely memorable to a gentle and caring man.
He certainly touched so many lives and championed many worthy causes.
We feel very proud to call Ralph our cousin and were priviledged to follow the memorial service.
Our thoughts are with Claire, Roisin, dear Auntie Irene and family.
RIP dearest Ralph 🙏
Kay, Lauren, Ross and family (eldest daughter of Jimmy and Angela) UK xxx

What a beautiful memorial service for Ralph. Thank you enabling us to be able to watch via the link.
Ralph was so full of integrity and clearly shared such goodness and wisdom in his life. A life well lived and an inspiration to us all.
Sending our condolences and love to you all.
Carol (Kenna) and family (youngest daughter of Jimmy and Ángela) X

Sincere condolences to Barry, Mairead, Shauna and the Kenna family on the passing of Ralph. May he rest in peace.

My wife Pepa and I are in shock - an hour ago I saw Ralph's death notice on Facebook - a place I hardly ever connect to - but did so once in a while since Ralph reconnected with me last year after a long lapse. I cannot believe it ... and so in the heat of the moment of my shock, after watching the memorial service online, we want to send our condolences to Ralph's family and friends - but especially to Claire, Róisín, Irene, Rhona and Barry. Of all of you, I for sure have only met Barry a couple of times (you probably would not remember me) and also possibly Irene and Rhona at some stage on one of the very few flying visits I paid to Ralph in Athlone back in the 1980s. I studied Physics with Ralph in Trinity and shared a flat with him in our final year on Rathgar road so I can fully identify with all that was said in the memorial service about Ralph having shared many similar moments with him in Dublin over four very intense, full and formative years. Moving on from there - Ralph to Austria and I to France and both or us subsequently to many other places - we only managed to make contact thereafter occasionally but time and distance between us never diminishing the freshness and feelings of empathy, kindredship and camaraderie that we established between each other back in those heady times. I regret that I did not manage to make a trip in time to Coventry to reconnect in person - so am doing so now in spirit - Beir bua Ralph - semper altius - slán agus beannacht go deo.

My deepest sympathies to the Kenna family and friends on this sad loss. May Ralph rest in peace

Deepest sympathies to the Kenna family during this tough time. May Ralph rest in peace.

Ralph, you did not want for love. If love was all you would have lived for ever. Go in peace to Tír na nÓg.
Love and all my respect.
Keith.

Sincere sympathies to Claire and Roisin and to the extended family on this very sad occassion.

I was saddened to be told that Ralph had passed away. I considered him a dear friend although I hadn’t seen him for some time. I first met Ralph in Liverpool when he came to work at the university. He loved our city and made many friends.He was very much part of the Liverpool Irish community. I, like others, have fond memories of time spent in his company. He was such an intelligent man with a keen sense of humour. Since his death, I’ve been recalling stories that highlighted his idiosyncratic nature and I have smiled at the memories.
I am unable to attend Ralph’s funeral in person but will attend virtually and will raise a glass to him later in the day. My heartfelt sympathy to Claire, Róisín and all Ralph’s family in Athlone.

My Sinceere Sympathies To Rhona and All The Kenna Family On The Sad Passing of Ralph, May His Gentle Soul R i P

Deepest sympathy to Barry,Mairead,Claire,Ròisìn Ralphs mother Irene and sister Rhona on the very sad passing of Ralph.May he rest in eternal peace.

Our sincere condolences to Claire Roisin , Irene , Andrew , Claire , Rhona , Barry , Mairead , Shauna , Darrell and the extended Kenna family on the sad passing of Ralph , May his gentle soul rest in peace

My heartfelt condoleances to the passing away of a good friend and esteemed collegue.
May he rest in eternal peace.

Our sincere sympathies to you Rhona and all of the Kenna family on the passing of Ralph. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere condolence to Clare and Ròisìn, Barry, Rhona and Mairead and Shaunah and Irene on the sad passing of a lovely kind man Ralph R.I.P. gone too soon .... condolences to all the Kenna family..and his many friends

In the short time I had the pleasure to know Ralph, he had a great influence on me. He was a joyful and inspiring person that I will dearly miss. My sincere condolences to Ralph's family and friends.

Sympathy to all the family at this sad time.

Our heartfelt condolences to Claire and Roisin at this very difficult time. To Irene, Barry, Rhona, Andrew, Claire, Mairead, Shaunah, Darrell, Laura and all the extended Kenna family we extend our sympathies on the untimely passing of Ralph. We have fond memories of Ralph at family gatherings over the years. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Deepest sympathies to Ralph's family and to Irene and family on Ralph's untimely death. A very unique individual. News of his passing came as a shock to so many. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of Ralph. Thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I've known Ralph for over forty years. Ralph was close friends with my brother Tony and his name was often mentioned. May his gentle soul rest in peace ❤️

My sincere condolences to Ralph's family and friends. It was a great pleasure to spend a little time with Ralph over the last few years: a lively, wise, intelligent, humorous and passionate colleague. You will be sadly missed, Ralph: Rest in Peace.

I have very fond memories of Ralph, going back to our Marist days. He was a unique man in so many ways, but underlying it all was a great generosity of spirit. He will be sadly missed by all of us.
Sincere condolences to Claire and family.

Our sincere sympathies to Claire, Roísín, Barry and all the Kenna family on Ralph's passing. He was obviously an amazing gentleman.

My sincere condolences to Ralph's family. May he rest in peace

Our sincere sympathy to all of Ralph's family on this very sad time.. Rest in peace Ralph.. 🙏
John Burke and family Castlebin Woodlawn

Sincere condolences to Rhona and the Kenna family on the sad passing of Ralph. He sounds like a lovely man, intelligent and wise, with a sense of humour. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to both the Kenna and Quigley( Ballinacliffey) familes on the sad passing of Ralph Kenna. May he rest in peace.

I was very shocked to hear of Ralph's death.

I knew Ralph when he worked in Dublin.

My profound sympathy to his family

Memories are forever
When Ralph lived in Graz where we met him, it was the beginning of a great friendship.
He brought a piece of Ireland with him to Austria (Irish-Steirisch(styrian) nights).
Because he was such an amazing, intelligent and lovely person, we named our son after him.
I like to think that he kept his promise and is now having a pint with our son.
We are sad and devastated. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Memories are forever

Sincere condolences to Claire & Roisin, to Mrs Kenna, Barry & Rhona and the extended family and friends on Ralph's passing. May he rest in peace.

As one of his closest students, I can only speak highly of him. Always making things easier, in good spirits, honest, insightful, and very generous. My deepest condolences to Ralph's family, especially Claire and Róisín. May the earth rest lightly upon him.

Ralph was a wonderful mentor and friend and will be sorely missed. Few people have had more influence in my life. My deepest sympathies to Claire and Róisín and all the Kenna family.

Sincere condolences to all of Ralph's family and close friend,s on his untimely passing. He has left a lasting legacy. May He RIP🙏

A brilliant colleague and great friend.

My condolences to all of the Kenna family on this sad loss. I will never forget how welcoming Ralph was when I joined FCS - I will miss his humour and know he will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace Ralph.

Sincere condolences to all of Ralph’s family. May he rest in peace.

Sincere Sympathy to Rhona and all of the Kenna family on the sad passing of Ralph. May he rest in peace.

Such fond memories of a true and loyal friend over the past 45 years.

My heartfelt condolences to Claire, Roisin, Irene, Barry and Rhona.

Rest in Peace my friend.

Sincere sympathy to Claire Roisin, his Dear Mother Irene, Rhona Barry Andrew and Claire. Gone far too soon. Rest in peace Ralph.

Deepest Sympathy to Rhona your mother Irene brother Barry and extended Kenna family on the sad passing of Ralph. May he rest in peace.

I am saddened beyond belief by the news of Ralph’s passing. School friends and still in regular touch, the news was a bolt from the blue. My life is so much richer for having known Ralph and my thoughts are with all his family, particularly Claire and Róisín. “Brón ar an mbás, ‘sé dubh mo chroíse”

Deepest sympathy to all the Keena family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May Ralph rest in peace in the arms of the angles

My sincere condolences to Irene and all the Kenna family on the passing of Ralph.

With deep shock I learned about the untimely death of Ralph Kenna. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, Irene, Rhona and Barry, Claire and Róisín.

In loving memory of Ralph, this ever-chearful, bright and playful spirit, who accompanied many years of my young adult life and showed me Ireland, his hometown Athlone, Lough Ree, the "Arden Bar"and its locals, who were always happy to laugh and sing along with Ralph,

Olga Flor
Austria

We wish to over our most sincere sympathies to Barry, Máiréad and Shauna on the very sad passing of Ralph. Also condolences to Ralph's Wife, Daughter, Mother and extended family.
May God comfort you all now and always through your grief.

We all miss Ralph very much. You had to go too early. There would have been so many things left to do and to speak about. All our feelings and sympathy go to Claire and Roisin and Ralph's family in Athlone. I cannot be with you at the funeral, but we will all stay together in thoughts and prayers, and I will come with Josef to see Ralph's hometown one day.

Our deepest sympathy to Claire, Róisín, Irene , Rhona, Barry, Mairead, Shaunah
Andrew, Claire and extended family.
We are so sorry Ralph has sadly passed away 💔
Thinking of you all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Ralph always loved Athlone and was extremely proud of his roots. He loved Athlone and Irish history.
He was loved both near & far. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy. May you always treasure all the wonderful memories that you shared together and may they comfort you at this sad time.
We have lovely memories of meeting you at family occasions for Shaunah, where we always enjoyed your company.
Rest in peace Ralph in a world free from pain and suffering and watch over your loved ones X X🙏🌹❤️

Sincere sympathy to Irene & family on the sad passing of Ralph.

Der viel zu frühe Tod von Ralph setzt uns alle in tiefe Trauer. Ralph war immer ein guter Freund und eine herausragende Persönlichkeit, die vor allem durch seine menschliche Größe bestimmt war. Er hatte immer eine hilfreiche Hand, ein aufmunterndes Wort und viel Freude um sich verbreitet. So ist er im Gedanken immer präsent.


Ihr habt jetzt Trauer,
aber ich werde Euch wiedersehen
und Euer Herz wird sich freuen.
(Joh. 16,22)

Deepest Sympathy to Irene Rhona Barry and Extended Benson and Kenna Family on The sad Passing of Ralph May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace