The racing world is no stranger to risk, to fragility, to the sharp awareness that promise and peril often travel side by side. Yet nothing can soften the blow of a loss as cruel and sudden as that of Paul Kavanagh, a young Galway jockey whose life was taken far too soon in a car accident last week. He was only 20, but in that short time he managed to leave an imprint far deeper than many who live much longer lives.
Paul was a native of Corofin and from an early age he carried with him a quiet determination and an unmistakable kindness. Those who knew him best speak not just of his talent in the saddle, but of the way he moved through the world: polite, gentle, and deeply respectful. His family said that his eyes “carried a light that no darkness could dim”, a phrase that resonates powerfully now, echoed in countless tributes from friends, colleagues and communities who felt warmed by that light.
For the past two years Paul had been riding out with Enda Bolger in County Limerick, a place where his abilities were nurtured and his character admired. Bolger described him as “the most polite, well-mannered and well-brought-up young man we ever had anything to do with”, calling him a credit to his parents, Kevin and Alison. It is a sentiment repeated again and again: that Paul’s talent never outshone his humility, and his ambition never dulled his decency.
All Paul ever wanted, those closest to him say, was to ride in races. He worked tirelessly towards that goal, riding with quiet focus and absorbing every bit of advice offered. He was always looking to learn, always willing to ask for help. Fellow conditional rider Aidan Kelly remembered him as “a lovely young lad” who never imposed himself, someone you might barely notice in the weighing room until you stopped to talk to him and realised just how thoughtful and sincere he was.
His achievements, though still early in their making, hinted at a bright future. In 2023 he notched his first winner under rules on the Flat at Carlisle for David Loughnane, who has spoken of his shock and sadness, recalling Paul’s infectious smile and gentle nature. Over jumps, a milestone came in June at Clonmel, when Paul partnered the JP McManus-owned Gimme A Buzz to victory for Bolger. The smile he wore that day, riding in those famous colours, is one many will never forget. Frank Berry of JP McManus Racing spoke of the sadness of his passing and the promise he so clearly showed.
Paul’s life extended well beyond the racecourse. A past pupil of St Colman’s National School in Corofin and St Jarlath’s College in Tuam, he was fondly remembered by teachers and classmates alike. Before committing fully to racing, he was also a keen hurler with Sylane Hurling Club, where he showed the same dedication and team spirit that later defined his working life with horses. Wherever he went, he seemed to belong easily, leaving behind friendships rooted in kindness rather than noise.
The response to his death has been a testament to the esteem in which he was held. Jockeys across the country wore black armbands in his memory, including at Leopardstown, Limerick, Down Royal and as far away as Kempton. From the tight-knit racing community to school corridors and local pitches, grief has been shared collectively, a sign of how widely Paul was loved.
He is mourned by his heartbroken parents, Kevin and Alison, his sister Grace, his brother Ryan, and his cherished grandad Martin, as well as a wide circle of relatives, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
