Paddy Kenny

Early career

Kenny started his career at Ovenden West Riding in the West Riding County Amateur League. He joined Bradford Park Avenue in August 1997, playing semi-professionally whilst working as an engineer in the week. He was an ever-present in the Northern Premier League during the 1997–98 season, playing 55 games in league and cup. He had trials at Birmingham City and Bradford City, before he was signed by Neil Warnock at Bury in September 1998 for a £10,000 fee following a recommendation from Avenue's manager Trevor Storton. With Dean Kiely in goal for the "Shakers", Kenny was loaned out to Whitby Town in the Northern Premier League to gain some first team experience in March 1999. Two months later Kiely was sold to Charlton Athletic, giving Kenny the chance to become Bury's regular goalkeeper. He made his Division Two debut for Bury on 7 August 1999 in a 2–1 win over Gillingham at Gigg Lane. He went on to become an ever-present in both the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 campaigns. Andy Preece's Bury were relegated into Division Three at the end of the 2001–02 season.

Sheffield United

Kenny initially joined Neil Warnock's Sheffield United on loan as cover for injured keeper Simon Tracey. He made his debut for the "Blades" in a 2–1 defeat to Coventry City at Highfield Road on 10 August 2002, and subsequently went on to become first choice goalkeeper. After three months the loan deal was made permanent for a £45,000 fee. On 26 May 2003, he played at the…

Although born in England, Kenny qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland as both his parents are Irish. He was called up by manager Brian Kerr and made his debut in 2004 as late substitute in a 2–1 win against the Czech Republic, before going on to make his first start in a 1–0 friendly victory over Jamaica. Kenny won seven caps before deciding to retire from international football in 2007, asking then manager Steve Staunton not to consider him for selection to allow him to sort out personal issues. Despite declaring himself ready to play for Ireland again multiple times from 2008 onwards he was never called up again.

In October 2023, Kenny was appointed joint-manager of Northern Counties East League Premier Division club Goole alongside Nathan Helliwell. He stepped down one month later, citing family and work commitments. In January 2026, Kenny was appointed goalkeeping coach at Northern Premier League Division One East club Matlock Town.

Club

International