15/12/1951 – 25/1/2022
Fellow squash players, I regret to inform you of the death of Alf Kavanagh who passed away peacefully on Tuesday,
25th January, after an 11 year brave battle with cancer.
Alf’s first love was squash and he made a significant contribution at all levels as player, coach and sponsor in the Masters squash tournaments both here in Ireland and in England. He had far too many successes to mention, most notably playing for Ireland in the Home Internationals. His most important achievement was playing on 3 winning Connacht teams in the Masters Interpros, which he selected and managed. The last Interpro win for Connacht was a memorable win for Alf over Michael Conlon, saving match points in the fifth set to win the deciding match and the Interpro for Connacht.
Also in 2013, Alf captaining the Irish over 55s in the Home Internationals at the Park club in Nottingham, recorded a remarkable and unique victory over an English opponent in true Alf fashion coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Alf also excelled at Racketball and in 2007 won the British National Racketball over 55 title at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham.
Alf was born in Galway City and was a proud Galway and Connacht man. He moved to Coventry in the 1960s. He entertained many Irish squash players in his Coventry squash club, and his hospitality in both the club and in his home while there was legendary. While playing there, he had the ability to find players whose ‘father or mother’ were from Connacht and immediately recruited them to play for the province! He followed the Galway football and hurling teams avidly, and one of his proudest moments as a Galway man was attending the 2017 hurling final in Croke Park with Gerry Fahy, one of his great squash buddies from Galway, when Galway won the McCarthy Cup for the first time in 29 years.
Alf is survived by his wife Cath, mother-in-law Irene, sister Marie, brothers Pat, John and Michael and nephews and nieces.
Alf’s funeral will take place at St. Laurence’s Church in Meriden, Coventry CV77Hx at 2.30 p.m. on Friday, 11th February 2022 with burial afterwards in the Church grounds.
Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the Manor Hotel in Meriden.
Rest in Peace Alf. You were a great friend to all who knew you and a proud Galway, Connacht and Irish man.
An appreciation by Dave Lalor
