Kenny spent much of her childhood in Kilkenny and came to live in England in 1966. Kenny is short for Canice, after the local saint who gave his name to the cathedral that overlooks Kilkenny town.
Kilkenny town has some brilliant medieval remains and buildings that have been added to and altered as the centuries have gone by – favourites for Kenny include St Canice’s, the Black Abbey, Kilkenny Castle and the house of Dame Alice Kyteler (accused of witchcraft in the 14th century).
She gives a powerful message about the importance of welcoming people, particularly refugees, to Britain this St Patrick’s Day, as many Irish people have been welcomed over the years.