In 1979 Kennelly, who was now captain of the side, won a fourth provincial title as Cork fell by ten points in the Munster final. He later went in search of a third All-Ireland medal as he lined out in a fourth championship decider. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3–13 to 1–8 victory. It was Kennelly's third All-Ireland winners' medal while he also had the honour of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup.