Funeral details announced for jockey who died in collision on Christmas Eve

Sarah Slater

Jockey Paul Kavanagh, who died in a car collision on Christmas Eve, is to be laid to rest on Saturday.

The 20-year-old of College Green, Tuam, Athlacca, Co. 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 on Christmas Eve.

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 Galway man’s remains will be reposing at Grogan’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Tuam, on Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm, followed by removal to his home.

Requiem Mass will be held at 11.30 am on Saturday in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, with burial afterwards in Tuam cemetery.

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

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.