Jockeys at all three Irish race meetings on Friday donned black armbands and spectators observed a minute’s silence in memory of a young rider tragically killed on Christmas Eve. Paul Kavanagh, a 20-year-old conditional jockey, sadly died in a car accident on Christmas Eve morning near Bruree in County Limerick.
Hailing from Tuam, Co Galway, Kavanagh was associated with the Enda Bolger yard in Limerick, having previously been based in the UK. The news has left the close-knit community of Irish racing in shock, and a palpable sense of sadness hung over the three Irish meetings on Friday at Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal.
Kavanagh celebrated his first win in Ireland back in June, riding for owner JP McManus on the Bolger-trained Gimme A Buzz at Clonmel.
Since returning from working with David Loughnane in England, where he rode his first winner at Carlisle in 2023, he had also ridden for several other trainers including Eric McNamara, Michael Winters and John McConnell.
Fellow jockey Ricky Doyle posted on X: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Kavanagh. He was a gentleman and it was a pleasure to get to know him. Condolences to his family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.”
The fatal collision took place on the N20 road in the Bruree area around 2am on Christmas Eve morning.
Gardai have issued an appeal for anyone who was travelling on the N20 in the Bruree area between 1.40am and 2.15am to come forward. They are also asking any road users with camera footage to make that footage available to them.
The Gardai can be reached at the Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any local garda station.
Details of the funeral are still to be confirmed.