Pete was a devoted family man, a great neighbour and a total gent
PETER KAVANAGH’S passing in April was a cause of great sadness for his family, friends and the extended community of Horeswood.
The son of the late Maura and Sid Kavanagh, Pete hailed from Gorey, a town that always held a place in his heart. He had five siblings: Michael, Noeleen, Stephanie, Maureen and John.
Pete attended the Vocational School in Gorey but always enjoyed the sporting and social side of school more than the academics. He continued to return to Gorey for family visits, shopping and haircuts.
Over the years, Pete had a very close relationship with his family and they were very supportive and caring throughout his illness.
He met Margaret in New Ross in 1974 and they were married in her native Kerry in July 1976.
They settled in Ballybrazil and had three daughters, Aoife, Ciara and Eadaoin. His family was a great source of joy and he was always there for them, showing an interest in everything they did.
Pete was blessed with five grandsons: Jack, Ben, Danny, Shane and Harry and they were a huge source of pride for him. From collecting them from playschool and school to playing sports with them, he enjoyed the noise and bustle and, in his eyes, they could do no wrong.
He often got them out of trouble, forgave the (many) breakages and filled them with Jaffa Cakes and treats with ‘e numbers’ galore before returning them to their parents.
Pete really enjoyed his trips to Kerry and developed great relationships and friendships with both his in-laws and the wider Kerry community.
Many a night was spent socialising in Killarney and this was evident from the many tributes that poured in from the Kingdom in the days following Pete’s death.
A keen sportsman, Pete played on many different teams throughout his life, including on hurling, rugby and soccer teams. He loved racquetball and handball and competed in many tournaments throughout the years, and continued playing this sport well into his sixties.
He enjoyed walking and completed 50 mile charity walks long before sponsored walks became popular.
Pete worked the majority of his life in Great Island power station for the ESB. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his time there and made some great friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Those relationships were evident throughout his illness and were hugely appreciated.
A great neighbour, he was often to be found chatting to neighbours along the road and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed it.
Many a party was had on the road to celebrate life events for the Ballybrazil residents and their kindness and compassion after Pete’s passing was a great source of comfort to the family.
An outgoing, friendly and sociable man Pete never let the truth get in the way of a good story. He knew how to tell a tale which would have you crying with laughter in places. He enjoyed a pint with friends and neighbours and loved catching up on any news of local events.
Pete loved large family gatherings both in Wexford and Kerry and would be the last to leave after complaining about going in the first place. He was always ready for some fun and even donned a Santa suit to entertain pre-schoolers on a few occasions.
He was a lover of music and some of the families fondest memories are of him as he sang and danced his way around the kitchen getting in the way of dinner preparations or singing along to his favourite song ‘Deportees’.
He loved antique furniture and was an avid collector, filling every available space in his home. He was often to be found at auctions or sitting in his armchair reading the Millers antique books.
His funeral was live streamed from the St James’ parish church in Horeswood. Due to Covid restrictions the traditional wake was not permitted so friends, neighbours and local sporting clubs lined the roads from Ballybrazil to Horeswood church. It was a source of great comfort to the family to see the high esteem in which he was held in the local community.
Peter is deeply missed by his wife Margaret, his daughters: Aoife, Ciara and Eadaoin, grandsons Jack, Ben, Danny, Shane and Harry, siblings Noeleen, the late Michael, Stephanie, Maureen and John, sons in law, sisters in law, brothers in law, mother in law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
In the wise words of Mitch Albom: Death ends a life, not a relationship.
May Pete rest in peace.