Most people in Australia know the name "Ned Kelly", sadly, few know the name "Michael Kennedy", his significance to the Kelly narrative and the impact his widow Bridget had that still resonates in today's world.

 

Michael Kennedy was a good man, who, like many in Ireland in the mid 1800's was deeply impacted by the Famine that raveged the emerald isle.

Michael, with his brother, saved what meager earnings they had and bought passage to a new land for a new beginning, a new life , a new hope.  The country they chose - Australia .

In Australia , Michael met Bridget Tobin. Bridget and her young, dashing policeman would soon wed and begin a family.

Michael rose through the ranks of the police in Colonial Victoria, earing respect, love, admiration and praise at every township he was stationed at .

In 1878, Michael was charged with bringing in the Kelly brothers and their associates.  October, 1878, he and four other constables would be ambushed by the Kellys.  Three of them, Michael included, would lose their lives iat Stringybark Creek in the line of duty.

Such was the outpouring of grief and support for Bridget and her young family, that the entire community rallied behind her and one of the other widows (Maria Lonigan)  .  Gifts of food, assistance with daily life but more importantly, petitioning the government to step in and help these women and their families who lost so much.

 

By the time 1880 rolled around and the Kelly Gang was destroyed, the government and the police force of Victoria stepped in. Bridget Kennedy and Maria Lonigan became the first recorded recipients of what we now know as the "legacy pension".

Bridget would go on to be a tower of strength for her young family. Forever keeping Michael's good name and memory alive in the extended family, so much so, that many of Michael's descendants have chosen to follow his footsteps and become officers of the law themselves.

This is the story that must be told. Culturally significant. Historically important. The story of a brave man and the incredible woman that stood with him and changed society.