Born in County Donegal, Kearney moved to the UK when he was 17 years old, and found work in a bank.
He began working for the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers in 1972, heading its information and research department for many years.
He was also active in the Labour Party, standing in Epsom and Ewell at the February and October 1974 UK general elections, taking third place on each occasion.
During his time in office, much work in the industry moved to less developed countries, which affected the federation's finances.
Kearney focused on supporting workers in those nations, campaigning to end child labour, and for improved health and safety.