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13 Feb 2026

'Will never be forgotten'- College pays tribute to 'gifted lecturer' from Kildare

Dr. Noel Kavanagh formerly of Thomastown, Caragh, Co. Kildare has sadly passed away

'Will never be forgotten'- College pays tribute to 'gifted lecturer' from Kildare

Rest in Peace Dr. Noel Kavanagh

A deeply loved and respected professor at Carlow College from Kildare has sadly passed away recently, leaving many people heartbroken.

Carlow College will be closed on Monday, 16th February until 2pm and normal college services will resume from 2pm due to the circumstances.

Carlow College has paid tribute to philosophy lecturer Dr. Noel Kavanagh formerly of Thomastown, Caragh, Co. Kildare and Mount Carmel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Dr. Noel died peacefully, in the loving care of the staff of Naas General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Kate, mother Nuala, father Bill, sister Caroline, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews Keith, Kayleigh, Caoimhe and Oisín, Limerick cousins, colleagues in Carlow College, St. Patrick's, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements:

Reposing at Rigney's Funeral Home, Athy (R14 TX26) on Sunday evening (February 15th) from 4pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm.

Removal at 10.30am on Monday morning (February 16th) to arrive at St. Michael's Parish Church, Athy for Requiem Mass at 11am.

Removal afterwards to The Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium for service at 1.45pm.

In a post on Facebook, Carlow College said: "We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr Noel Kavanagh.
"A gifted philosophy lecturer and a cherished member of the Carlow College community, Noel inspired generations of students with his sharp wit, intellectual generosity, and unmistakable passion for teaching. His classes challenged, encouraged, and stayed with those lucky enough to learn from him.
"Noel will be remembered as a thoughtful scholar, a dedicated educator, and a warm, curious presence whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. He instilled in a generation of students a love for philosophy and learning.  
We extend our sincerest sympathies to his Noel’s wife Kate and his family. 
"As such, the College will be closed on Monday, 16th February until 2pm..".
Messages have poured in from mourners on RIP.ie, one person said: "We are truly so sorry that Noel has passed. He really was someone who will never be forgotten by anyone lucky to have met him. May your copious amount of amazing memories help to heal your pain now and into the future. Rest in Peace Noel, you fought hard and were an inspiration to everyone".
Another person said, "What a devastating loss. My most sincere condolences to Noel's family. I feel sorry for any future philosophy student at Carlow College who won't get to experience his fantastic lectures. He will live forever in the most treasured memories of those of us fortunate to know him.

"I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world."

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