Mayor 1913
The eldest son of the late Timothy J. Kearney, he died on Monday 16 April 1923,aged 52 years. He was educated at the New England Grammar School and St.Joseph's College Sydney, followed the profession of his father and trained as a solictor. He left a widow and six children, the eldest 19 years of age.
For nearly nine years, he was an alderman and the mayor in Armidale's Jubilee year of celebrations in 1913 before his retirement in 1917. He was joint editor with Joseph Scholes and the Reverend A.H. Garnsey with the 1913 souvenir booklet. He served for many years as secretary of the Armidale and New England Hospital and the City Band. He was the first secretary of the Rugby Union and president of the League since its inception. He also served on the committees of the Coursing Club, the New England Cricket Association, Irish National Association, P. and A. Association, Eight Hour Association, School of Arts,Catholic Debating Society, Church Club and a number of the war service institutions.
As a Labor candidate he defeated Mr Charles G. Wilson and Ald. W. Watson in a by-election in 1903. At the 1904 election, he was again successful and defeated Mr McMahon of Uralla but then retired at the end of the term. At the next Federal election he again tried to enter politics but was defeated by Mr V.C.Thompson.