Huge crowds mourn Laois accident victim

A COMMUNITY still numb with shock and disbelief gathered in huge numbers today for the funeral of Abbeyleix musician Tony Kavanagh (70), who died after he was struck by a car in the town centre on Wednesday.

At the packed funeral Mass in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary this morning, Fr Paddy Byrne PP said the huge congregation was “indicative of the personality of Tony” and said: “He was a huge character in Abbeyleix, well loved and respected by us all.” 

Fr Byrne recalled a man with a beautiful spirit who was replete with “good humour, kindness and compassion”, adding “He was a passionate Everton supporter, a marvellous musician and a great man to offer a smile and a word.” 

During the prayers of the faithful, the family thanked emergency services that worked tirelessly to help Tony following the devastating accident, which happened outside the Supervalu store on Main Street at about 7pm.

In an emotional eulogy on behalf of the family, his heartbroken brother Val Kavanagh also thanked SuperValu staff, the fire service, ambulance personnel, gardaí and everyone who helped Tony on that terrible night.

He noted sadly that the tragedy occurred on the fourth anniversary of the death of their mother Joan, to whom Tony was particularly close and provided exceptional care and support after she suffered a fall.

In a tribute capturing the exceptional impact of a man who was the life and soul of every party, Val recalled that the love of music that defined his brother’s life began as a student in Heywood CS, where he learned to play the clarinet. 

He was also a great young sportsman, playing soccer, hurling and golf for the school and went on to become a member of Abbeyleix Golf Club for 45 years, winning the first President’s Prize and later taking the 1993 Golfer of the Year title.

A massive Everton fan, he made the regular pilgrimage to Goodison Park since he was 15 and remained an optimistic supporter to the end, often against all odds.

Val also noted that, with his kind heart and deep empathy, Tony did a lot of voluntary work to help others, initially for Abbeyleix Social Services where their late dad, Jerry, was a founding member.

However, it was his irrepressible talent and love for music that made him a local legend. In a wonderful whistlestop tour of his brother’s long musical career, Val recounted his early showband days with a variety of bands, playing with the likes of Mick and Tom Delahunty, forming The Playmates with friends from Durrow and Abbeyleix, running a music shop and later gaining a residency at The Wheelwright Arms in Luton with his band The Outlaws, while working in England in the 1980s.

During their stint at the famous Wheelwright, they opened for bands that went on to achieve fame and fortune, including Bad Manners. After that, Tony loved to regale family and friends with colourful tales of Buster Bloodvessel and often joked that Bad Manners supported The Outlaws at the Wheelwright.

Val said: “His big claim to fame was that he played music in every county in Ireland.” 

Fighting back tears, Val told the congregation that Tony travelled to Portugal at the end of last year with their sister Carmen, when he was delighted to tick off a destination on his bucket list to celebrate his 70th birthday.

The wistful strains of a clarinet soared during the communion, a glorious and evocative tribute to a man who lived for music and the unifying joy it brings. Beautiful songs were performed by the Creaghs from Rathdowney throughout the funeral ceremony.

From Thornberry, Abbeyleix, Tony suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a car while walking in Main Street. The tragedy has caused immense shock and sadness throughout the town and county.

After treatment by emergency paramedics at the scene, he was rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead later at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.

A gifted performer on brass instruments from clarinet to saxophone, he regularly played at senior citizens’ parties and many other events. He is widely described locally as a warm, funny, friendly person and a true gentleman, whose loss will be deeply felt throughout the community.

His friend and Fianna Fáil councillor John Joe Fennelly from Abbeyleix said the town is in deep shock following the tragedy, as he described Tony as a very popular character who always loved to have a chat and a laugh.

Expressing his condolences to the family, Cllr Fennelly said: “It is terribly sad and he will be greatly missed around the town.” 

Gardaí investigating the fatal collision have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them. Anyone with camera footage, including dashcam, from the area between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 January is asked to make this footage available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on 057 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

A single man, Tony was predeceased by his parents Jerry and Joan and his sister Marian. He is sadly missed by his sisters Carmen and Geraldine, brothers Val and Sean, brothers-in-law Henk and Patsy, sister-in-law Chris, nephews P.J., Eoghan, Sean and Liam, nieces Zita and Orla, grandnieces, aunts and uncles, extended family neighbours and friends.

The funeral ceremony was followed by a private cremation.