Johnny Kenny

Johnny Kenny (born 6 June 2003) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Preston North End and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Club career Sligo Rovers In January 2021, Kenny signed his first professional contract with Sligo Rovers. He made his debut in March, in a 1–1 draw with Dundalk. One month later, he scored his first senior goal against Finn Harps. Like his father Johnny also scored in European football for Sligo.

Celtic Kenny signed a five-year deal with Celtic in January 2022 for an undisclosed fee.

Queens Park loan Kenny signed for Scottish Championship side Queen's Park on a season long loan deal in August 2022. After failing to score in his 12 appearances for the club, his loan spell was cut short in December 2022.

Shamrock Rovers loans On 28 December 2022, it was announced that Kenny would be joining League of Ireland Premier Division club Shamrock Rovers on loan for their 2023 season. After returning to Celtic at the end of his loan spell, it was announced on 21 January 2024 that Kenny would return to Shamrock Rovers on another loan deal for the 2024 season. On 7 November 2024, Kenny scored in a 2–1 victory over The New Saints in the UEFA Conference League. On 12 December, he scored two more goals for Shamrock Rovers in their 3–0 win over Borac Banja Luka in the same competition.

Return from loans After impressive form in the UEFA Conference League during his loan spell, Kenny returned to Celtic in January, making his senior competitive debut for the club on 11 January 2025, replacing Adam Idah from the bench in a 4–1 win away to Ross County, in which he assisted the final goal of the game for Luke McCowan. On 14 May 2025, Kenny made his first start for the club and scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 win away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium.

In June 2025, Celtic reportedly turned down a £500,000 bid from EFL League One club Bolton Wanderers for Kenny. On 8 August 2025, Kenny signed a new four-year-contract with Celtic until the summer of 2029. On the 23rd of August, Kenny scored his first goal at Celtic Park. Coming on as a second half substitute, he contributed the third goal in a 3-0 win over Livingston.

The departure of Brendan Rodgers and the subsequent arrival of Martin O’Neill provided Kenny with an opportunity to lead the Celtic attack. Kenny scored twice in a 4–0 victory over Falkirk on 29 October 2025, in Martin O'Neill's first game back at Parkhead. He scored the first goal in a 3–1 Scottish League Cup semi-final win over Rangers. His header coming in the 25th minute from an Arne Engels corner. He continued his goal scoring form with the opening goal in a 4–0 home win over Kilmarnock on 9 November 2025.

Bolton Wanderers loan On 2 February 2026, Kenny signed for EFL League One club Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season, rejecting potential loan moves to Danish league leaders Aarhus and German club Schalke 04 in the process. He made his debut on 14 February 2026, in a 1–1 draw away to Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. On 28 February 2026, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 victory away to Exeter City. He scored 6 goals in 14 appearances during his loan spell to help Bolton to promotion to the EFL Championship.

Preston North End On 1 September 2026, Kenny joined EFL Championship club Preston North End on a permanent transfer.

International career Underage In November 2021, Kenny made his debut for the Republic of Ireland under-19 team, scoring in a 3–2 victory over Montenegro. Kenny also scored on his Republic of Ireland under-21 debut in a 2–1 win against Iceland in March 2023.

Senior On 1 September 2025, Kenny was called up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the first time, replacing the injured Troy Parrott for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures against Hungary and Armenia. On 16 November 2025, Kenny made his debut as a substitute in a 3–2 win away to Hungary in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, securing second place in the group and progression to the qualifying playoffs. Kenny's appearance made him the first player from County Sligo to be capped by the international team since Paul McGee in 1980.

Personal life His father, Johnny Snr. was also a professional footballer and played for Sligo Rovers in the 1990s. His brothers Ciaran, Niall and Patrick are members of Shamrock Gaels GAA club and were key contributors as they won the 2025 Sligo Senior Football Championship, ending a 33 year wait.

Kenny grew up around the Riverstown area in Sligo alongside fellow footballer Owen Elding.

Career statistics

International

Honours Club Shamrock Rovers League of Ireland Premier Division: 2023

Celtic Scottish Premiership: 2024–25, 2025–26

Bolton Wanderers EFL League One play-offs: 2026