Heartbreaking first picture of ‘talented gentleman’, 70s, who died after being struck by car as pals pay tragic tribute
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a talented musician who died after being struck by a car in Co Laois on Wednesday.
Jeremiah Anthony ‘Tony’ Kavanagh, aged in his 70s, has been remembered as a “pleasant character to meet and play music with” by locals.
Mr Kavanagh was rushed to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore after he was struck by a car on Abbeyleix’s Main Street at around 7pm on Wednesday.
However, he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
A death notice online said: “Suddenly on the 28th of January. Predeceased by his parents Jerry and Joan and his sister Marian.
“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.”
Dozens of tributes have poured in for Mr Kavanagh, who has been remembered for his love of jazz music, funny stories and style by mourners.
One said: “We are so very sad to hear of lovely Tony’s untimely passing.
“He was such a pleasant character to meet and play music with, and while his nearest and dearest are heartbroken for Tony, I’m sure the tales, yarns and fond memories which will be shared, will sustain them all in the tough days ahead. RIP Tony.”
Another wrote: “Tony will be missed, loved hearing of all his adventures when meeting him, and always a funny story to be told.
“RIP Tony, such sad circumstances but at peace now, playing the saxophone.”
A third wrote: “Great memories of growing up together in Abbeyleix.
“Another great local character gone. There’ll be music in Heaven tonight.”
Another mourner told how Abbeyleix “will not be the same” without Mr Kavanagh.
‘LOVED HIS MUSIC’
He added: “Had many interesting chats & laughs with Tony when we would meet.
“Great character and a true gentleman, loved his music.”
Mr Kavanagh’s funeral mass will take place at 11am on Sunday at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix.
Gardai are investigating the crash and have urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.
“RIP Tony, such sad circumstances but at peace now, playing the saxophone.”
A third wrote: “Great memories of growing up together in Abbeyleix.
“Another great local character gone. There’ll be music in Heaven tonight.”
Another mourner told how Abbeyleix “will not be the same” without Mr Kavanagh.
‘LOVED HIS MUSIC’
He added: “Had many interesting chats & laughs with Tony when we would meet.
“Great character and a true gentleman, loved his music.”
Mr Kavanagh’s funeral mass will take place at 11am on Sunday at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix.
Gardai are investigating the crash and have urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6.30pm and 7:30pm yesterday evening are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.
“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.”
