Passing of Irish Aviation Historian AP (Tony) Kearns
It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the sad news of the passing of AP (Tony) Kearns. Tony was one of Ireland’s leading aviation historians. Involved with Irish Air Corps history and heritage since the 1960s, Tony went on to become a volunteer in the Air Corps Museum and was the go-to oracle. An ardent supporter of Ireland’s Military Story since the beginning, Tony became part of the extended team and good friend providing invaluable aviation and Air Corps knowledge. In 2016/2017 he wrote for our readers the series “Emergency Over Irish Skies – the story of the Air Corps during the Emergency (1939 – 1946)” and “Gloster ‘Irish’ Gladiator”. Just before Covid hit Tony – along with the team in the Air Corps Museum – was assisting us with a project for Dublin Port on the Emergency.
Our condolences from all the team to his family and the Air Corps on their loss.
Gloster ‘Irish’ Gladiator 
Hawker Hector/Hind
These two archive images are two of the projects Tony assisted us on. They were restored and colourised by John O’Byrne with the assistance of Tony who gave expert detail down to the micro level.