[1] Kiernan became a property developer, who owned a number of dwellings in the Sydney suburb of Redfern.

He finished 6th out of a fleet of 25 yachts from 11 countries,[5] setting an Australian record for a solo circumnavigation of the world.

[6] During the BOC Challenge yacht race, Kiernan was appalled by the amount of rubbish choking the world's oceans.

[8] In 1988, with Kim McKay[citation needed], and the support of a committee of friends, Kiernan organised "Clean Up Sydney Harbour" on Sunday 8 January 1989.

[11] Kiernan's environmental efforts were recognised in 1991 when the Australian Government awarded him the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

[16] The prize is awarded every year to individuals with an established track record of achievement and the potential to make outstanding contributions to the protection and management of the environment consistent with UNEP's policies and objectives.

This record was cited by the government of New South Wales when Kiernan was overlooked for the honour of having a Sydney ferry named after him.