Family of jockey Paul Kavanagh who died in Christmas Eve collision pay tribute

Sarah Slater

The family of jockey Paul Kavanagh, who died in a traffic collision on Christmas Eve have paid tribute to their son, who had eyes which “carried a light that no darkness could dim”.

The 20-year-old of College Green, Tuam, Athlacca, County Limerick, and formerly of Ballybrone, Corofin, Galway died while travelling on the N20 in the Bruree area when his car was in a collision with a truck between 1.40 am and 2.15 am last Wednesday.

Mr Kavanagh’s family said their ‘treasured son will be forever loved and missed by his heartbroken parents, Kevin and Alison, devoted sister and brother Grace and Ryan.”

He will also be remembered by his “cherished grandad Martin,” aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, his wide circle of friends, “his colleagues at Enda Bolger’s yard and the close-knit horse racing community.”

The young man was also the “beloved” grandson of the late Teresa Kavanagh and Mark and Bernie Carr.

The Irish Injured Jockeys said they are “deeply saddened” by the passing of Mr Kavanagh.

They added; “Paul had been attending our facility to get himself back from an injury to do the job he adored. He was so grateful for our help and as it very evident from all the tributes to him was an extremely popular and decent young man.

“Our heartfelt sympathy to his parents Kevin and Alison, his siblings Grace and Ryan , grandad Martin, extended family, his many friends and his racing family where he was so loved.”

His funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

Mr Kavanagh had been riding out at Mr Bolger's yard in Co Limerick for the last two years and had his first winner over jumps for the trainer last June in Clonmel.

A garda spokesperson said the driver of the car was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the lorry, a male in his 20s, was brought to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

“Anyone who was travelling on the N20 in the Bruree area between 1.40 am and 2.15 am is asked to make contact with investigating gardaí.

"Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make that footage available,” gardaí added.

Gardaí can be contacted in Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.