'Something he was immensely proud of ': Father recalls 'happiest day' of jockey Paul Kavanagh's life

A PROUD father has recalled a perfect summer’s day last June when his beloved son Paul, now departed, rode his first winner as a conditional jockey wearing the silks he so deeply cherished.

Kevin Kavanagh was introducing the gifts at the funeral Mass of his son, jockey Paul Kavanagh, this Saturday in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Tuam, County Galway.

Ballybrone, Corofin, County Galway was Paul’s first home - his second being Athlacca, County Limerick, where, mourners heard, he played junior hurling with the GAA club, jived to songs like Runaround Sue with his friends, and polished his race-riding skills in the yard at Enda Bolger’s.

Paul had been riding out as part of Enda’s yard near Bruree for the last two years.

The 20-year-old lost his life in a road traffic collision on Christmas Eve. He was travelling in a car which collided with a lorry not far from the yard on the Limerick side of Hynes’ Cross - between Banogue and O’Rourke’s Cross, Bruree.

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

“Paul was privileged to wear the JP McManus silks on numerous occasions,” his dad Kevin told the congregation as Kieran brought forward the silks. 

“This was something he was immensely proud of, as were we as a family. Without a doubt it was the proudest and happiest day of Paul’s life when he rode the first winner as a conditional jockey on Gimme A Buzz in Clonmel in June wearing the famous colours.”

The green and gold hooped silks were carefully arranged on top of the jockey’s coffin later during the Mass, with a smiling photograph of Paul in his silks placed above them.

Paul had “packed a lot into his short but full life”, mourners were told.

Former schoolmates, clubmates from Sylane GAA Club, and his more recent club, Athlacca, along with his colleagues from the horseracing world were packed into the pews as more gifts were brought forward. Hundreds more people - including his cousin Jack Duggan in New Zealand - were tuning in to watch the Mass online.

Emma brought forward AP McCoy’s autobiography which Paul had read “numerous times”. 

“It played a part in inspiring him to become a jockey,” Kevin explained. “There are many people who influenced or mentored Paul along the way - his cousin Adam and uncle Murt, Pony Racing Ireland, David Ryan, Dave Loughnane, Enda Bolger, just to name a few.”

Katie carried Paul’s hurl - a symbol of Paul’s passion for hurling.

Paul hurled from a young age with Sylane Hurling Club and when he moved to Athlacca he joined the local club and played junior with them. He may have been slight in stature as a young lad but he was so determined, the congregation were told.

“Paul loved the challenge of being up against bigger lads,” his dad fondly noted.

Kevin recalled a precious memory of attending the All-Ireland hurling final with Paul and Paul’s brother Ryan in Croke Park in 2017 when Galway were victorious.

Dominic carried Paul’s Owens Lad cushion - a symbol of the first winner Paul rode in competitive horse racing under rules.

After finishing school, Paul moved to the UK to join fellow Galway man, Dave Loughnane. This cushion was gifted to Paul by Dave whose yard Paul was a part of for almost two years.

Angela presented Paul’s speaker as Paul’s life wasn’t just about horses - he always loved music and socialising “and he had surprisingly good taste in music” according to his dad.

“Billy Joel was a favourite and he loved songs like Beeswing and Travelin' Soldier.

“And we learned recently that he had great fun with some of his Athlacca friends jiving to songs like Runaround Sue,” Kevin smiled.

Addressing the congregation, Paul’s sister Grace recalled some of the most precious memories shared by family and friends about Paul over recent days including a “beautiful” message left by their cousin Jack Duggan who settled in New Zealand in recent months.

“It was a message summing up the divilment, youth and friendship,” she said.

“From wrestling games, MMA fights, to chasing each other with Nerf guns and climbing trees, we were always up to something,” she read from Jack’s message.

“We grew up and went our separate ways, but the memories will stay with me forever.”

Paul’s brother Ryan told of how as a “non-horsey family” they often wondered how Paul found his way to the track.

“Now, watching Nanny Carr roaring Ruby Walsh home from a young age may have had its impact,” he smiled, “and our annual day out to Ballybrit with Nanny and Grandad Kavanagh.”

Ryan recalled a message from one of Paul’s hurling coaches, Kevin Brady, which he received during the week. 

“He described Paul as the most loveable young lad but with the heart of a lion,” he noted.

“There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t look up to my little brother,” said Ryan, “his drive, professionalism, talent, but, most of all, his decency and kindness are a testament to the man he became but also speaks volumes of the angels I call my parents,” he continued. 

Paul 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.

“Until we meet again, my man, slán go fóill agus grá mór,” said Ryan before his beloved younger brother was carried to his final resting spot at Tuam Cemetery.

“I don’t doubt there’ll be a day when you give us a sign you’re here, even if you can’t Gimme A Buzz.”

May Paul rest in peace.