'An infectious smile that would light up every room': Tributes paid to jockey who died in Limerick collision

A YOUNG jockey who perished in a collision on the N20 Limerick to Cork road in the early hours of Christmas Eve has been remembered as having an “infectious smile that would light up every room he walked into”.

The death notice of Paul Kavanagh, aged 20, of College Green, Tuam, Athlacca, County Limerick and formerly of Ballybrone, Corofin, Galway has been published.

“Our treasured Paul tragically passed away on December 24 following a car accident,” it reads.

The notice includes the quote, “His eyes carried a light that no darkness could dim”. His heartbroken family have asked for flowers only by request and donations, if desired, to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

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Paul had been riding out as part of Enda Bolger's yard for the last two years. The road traffic collision, involving a car and a lorry, occurred close to the yard on the Limerick side of Hynes’ Cross - between Banogue and O’Rourke’s Cross, Bruree.

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 conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Paul achieved his first winner over jumps for Mr Bolger in June when partnering the JP McManus-owned Gimme A Buzz to victory in Clonmel.

“The smile on his face after riding a winner in those colours was fantastic,” recalled Mr Bolger sadly.

The leading horse trainer told the Racing Post: “We’re devastated. He was the most polite, well-mannered and well-brought-up young man we ever had anything to do with. He was a credit to his parents. I can’t imagine what they are going through.”

Paul also rode for trainer David Loughnane in the UK who said on social media that he struggled to find the words to write the post. 

“Paul was one of the nicest lads I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. With an infectious smile that would light up every room he walked into. The world would be a much happier place with more Paul Kavanaghs in it,” wrote Mr Loughnane.

Many condolences have been paid on rip.ie including one person who wrote: "May God give ye all the strength to get through the next few days and time ahead without your beautiful, talented young Paul."

Jockeys riding at Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal have all worn black armbands in memory of their colleague.

Paul is the beloved grandson of the late Teresa Kavanagh and Mark and Bernie Carr.

He will be forever loved and missed by his heartbroken parents Kevin and Alison, devoted sister and brother Grace and Ryan, 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.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.

May he rest in peace.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to contact them.

“Anyone who was travelling on the N20 in the Bruree area between 1.40am and 2.15am is asked to make contact with investigating gardaí. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make that footage available.

“Gardaí can be contacted in Newcastle West garda station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.