Donal, often known as “Don” or simply by his last name “Kennedy”, was born in 1945 in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. He grew up in Tralee with his mum, dad, two brothers and one sister. When he was born, Don was an extremely small baby, at only two pounds! His mum spoke of how he slept in a shoebox wrapped in cotton wool as a baby.
Growing up, Don went to a catholic school, where he studied until the age of fourteen. Money was often tight for his family, so Don got a job as milk man at the age of fourteen to help with their expenses. Later, in his early years of adulthood, Don went through various job positions, but his last job before he retired was as a shopfitter.
In 1962, aged sixteen, Don moved to London with his dad, whilst his mum and siblings stayed in Ireland. He lived in multiple areas of London, including Kilburn, Ilford and Shepherds Bush with his Aunty (which is where he found his love for the Queens Park Rangers Football Club, who he still supports today!).
In December 1974, Don married his wife, Denise. They have been together ever since, and celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in December 2025. Together, Don and Denise had two lovely children, Carina and Sean. In 1976, after Carina was born, the family moved from Ilford to Northampton, where they still live today.
Don’s son Sean sadly passed away in 2004, following a tragic accident at the age of just twenty-two years old. However, his daughter Carina still visits him every week, usually on Saturdays and Sundays to watch Kerry’s Gaelic Football Team on TV at the Swan & Helmet Pub. Don also has a grandson, Ciaran, who is now twenty-one. Don really enjoys spending time with him and they’re also very close.
Don also really enjoys traveling and has been to many different countries such as Austria, Andorra, Italy, Ireland, Germany and France, but he said Austria was by far his favourite.
Other than finishing school and starting work at such a young age, Don said he had a great time during his early life, with some of his best memories being partying and dancing all night long! Over time, those habits faded as he grew older, and his focus shifted toward family and work. Now retired, Don enjoys being with his family, watching the football, and going to the pub to spend time chatting with friends.
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