Greystones councillors have spoken out about the sad passing today of the much-loved Pat Kavanagh, the Wicklow Town-based independent.
An outspoken councillor and animal rights activist who was well known for her work in the community, Pat was the co-founder of CHANCE (addressing the high kill rates at Wicklow Pound), and was a strong support of the Right2Change initiative.
Many in Wicklow will know Pat for her commitment to helping the homeless, which included organising a Christmas dinner at the Wicklow Parochial hall last year.
Having passed following a long illness, when the news of Pat’s passing broke, the tributes began to flow.
Remarking on the great sadness of her fellow councillor’s death, Grainne McLoughlin stated, ‘May she rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dhílis’. Upon hearing the news, Tom Fortune posted, ‘I am very sorry to hear today of the passing of Cllr Pat Kavanagh. Sincere condolences to Pat’s family and friends as they come to terms with their sad loss. Pat was an excellent community activist. Honest and fair, never afraid to say what needed to be said.
‘May she rest in peace’.
For Jacqui Johnson, Pat Kavanagh was ‘a lovely woman, full of integrity, kind and thoughtful’. For Cllr Nicola Lawless, she was simply “one of the good ones”.
As the tributes continued, many pointed out not only Pat’s great work for those in County Wicklow and beyond but also her strong campaigning on animal welfare. And let’s not forget her wicked sense of humour…
Wherever you are now, Pat, there’s a very good chance you’re going to make it a better place.
Funeral arrangements…
Pat will be reposing at McCrea’s Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Wicklow Town from 4pm to 8pm Friday with removal Saturday at 10.30am to St. Patrick’s Church, Wicklow Town arriving for 11.00 am Funeral Mass followed by interment in Rathnew Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society. Enquiries to McCrea’s Funeral Home, Wicklow Town, 0404 – 69000.
5 comments
Truly heartbreaking. A Mighty Woman. R.I.P. dear Pat.
I am stunned to read of Pat’s passingpassing, I have great admiration for this Lady and her tireless work .
My sincere condolences to Pat’s family and friends.
Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Pat, a kind, caring and compassionate soul. A great champion for the rights of Animals she will be dearly missed.
Pat Kavanagh had true honest integrity. She was always fighting injustice. She hated the vulnerable being clobbered! She supported me in very tough times. Attended meetings, wrote letters and came on protests. Not only did she support the vulnerable, she loved animals too and hated cruelty. Wicklow has truly lost a ‘saint’ that was amongst us…may she rest in peace and condolences to her family. I will very much miss her, but she will not be forgotten. I feel privileged….
From Greystones resident Ann Kennedy…
i am in deep shock hearing of the death of a dear friend, supporter and the kindest angel i think i have ever met, namely Cllr. Pat Kavanagh. Nothing was too great for her. Nothing escaped her, she just saw where the injustice lay and stated facts and gave witness to distress that any injustice caused.
Pat came into my life almost immediately i came to Greystones, since then she has been a very good friend.
I wish to join with all and extend my deepest sympathies to her family and to her children.
she is and was deeply loved.
I do not think any other touched my soul so much as Pat Kavanagh. May she rest in Peace and may she cause turmoil from above whenever she listens to the pain of others, and of the earth, its nature and its animals. She has received her ‘Angel wings’