Lecturer Dr Noel Kavanagh from Carlow College is laid to rest 

TRIBUTES flooded in over the weekend after the death of Dr Noel Kavanagh, a much-loved teacher and gifted lecturer in Carlow College.

Noel (57) passed away, peacefully, at Naas general hospital on Thursday 12 February after being diagnosed with cancer. Such was the respect that Noel was held in that St Michael’s church in Athy was packed with family, friends, colleagues and past students this morning, Monday, for requiem Mass, while Carlow College was closed as a mark of respect to the much-loved philosophy teacher.

When news of his death came through on Thursday, generations of students, as well as colleagues, past and present, paid tribute to him on social media, remembering his resonating lectures.

A statement issued by Carlow College said: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr Noel Kavanagh. A gifted philosophy lecturer and a cherished member of the Carlow College community, Noel inspired generations of students with his sharp wit, intellectual generosity and unmistakable passion for teaching. His classes challenged, encouraged and stayed with those lucky enough to learn from him.

‘Noel will be remembered as a thoughtful scholar, a dedicated educator and a warm, curious presence, whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. He instilled in a generation of students a love for philosophy and learning.’ Scores of students wrote on RIP.ie of how he inspired them.

One student said: ‘He had an incredible gift of weaving complex ideas with pop culture references and personal anecdotes, which made abstract concepts feel immediate and relevant. Noel showed us what philosophy should be; a way to engage deeply with the world and people around us as ‘no philosophy was born in a vacuum’.” Another student said: ‘Every day was a pleasure to go to college when you would catch Noel's friendly welcome in the corridor or his hilarious and educative lectures. He was always cheerful, fun and engaged in conversation and was so passionate about philosophy. Noel really ignited my love for philosophy and was the main reason I lasted through college and he inspired me to continue working in philosophy long after leaving Carlow.’ Before going on to lecture in Carlow College in 1998, he completed his master’s degree and PhD in Maynooth College.

He was the son of Nuala and Bill and brother to Caroline. From Caragh and Newbridge in Co Kildare, Noel settled in Athy with his wife, Kate.

He lived and loved life to the full and was immersed in his college community, as well as those of Carlow and Athy.

As a lover of the arts, he wrote poetry, with one of his poems being read at his Mass yesterday. He was a much-valued board member of Carlow Arts Festival.

‘Noel shaped minds, encouraged curiosity and embodied a deep belief in the value of ideas, dialogue and culture. Our board table was richer for his insight and brighter for his warmth, wit and style. We feel grateful and privileged to have shared in his wisdom and generosity of spirit. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.’ He loved performance and so took part in Athy Musical and Dramatic Society, as well doing readings at the local festive service Shepherd’s Watch.

His preferred method of transport was his scooter, with one of his students noting that she always loved to see it parked outside the college in the mornings, knowing that he would be around that day.

Noel was also known for his love of clothes and had an enviable wardrobe of suits and ties. Indeed, at his wake on Sunday in Rigney’s funeral home in Athy, there was a basket of Noel’s many, many ties for people to admire and, maybe, take one to remember him by.

“Noel was the best dressed man in the funeral home,” one of his friends told The Nationalist. “He left us with many memories.” He is mourned by his wife Kate, mother Nuala, father Bill, sister Caroline, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews Keith, Kayleigh, Caoimhe and Oisín, Limerick cousins, colleagues in Carlow College, relatives and friends.