Joe Kavanagh

{{Infobox Gaelic games player

| code = Football

| sport = Gaelic Football

| image =

| name = Joe Kavanagh

| irish = Seosamh Caomhánach

| fullname = Joseph Kavanagh

| feet = 5

| inches = 11

| nickname =

| occupation = Electrician

| county = Cork

| province = Munster

| club = Nemo Rangers

| clposition =

| clubs =

| clyears = 1990-2010

| clapps(points) = 78 (19-130)

| clcounty = 5

| clprovince = 5

| clallireland = 2

| colleges = Cork RTC

| sig = 0

| counties = Cork

| icposition = Centre-forward

| icyears = 1992-2002

| icapps(points) = 36 (7-61)

| icprovince = 5

| icallireland = 0

| nfl = 1

| allstars = 1

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|2|27|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland

}}

Joe Kavanagh (born 27 February 1973{{cite news|url=https://archive.irishnewsarchive.com/olive/APA/INA/Default.aspx#panel=document|title=The men who carry Cork's hopes|publisher=The Corkman|date=17 September 1993|access-date=29 July 2022|first=|last=}}) is an Irish Gaelic football coach and former player. At club level he played with Nemo Rangers and was also a member of the Cork senior football team.

Early life

Born and raised in Turners Cross, Kavanagh first played Gaelic football as a schoolboy with Coláiste Chríost Rí. He was just 16-years-old when he won a Corn Uí Mhuirí medal after a one-point final defeat of St Brendan's College in 1989.{{cite news|url=https://ccrcork.com/2020/04/30/colaiste-chriost-ri-celebrates-30-years-of-the-miracle-of-carrigdrohid/|title=Coláiste Chríost Rí celebrates 30 years of the ‘Miracle of Carrigdrohid’|publisher=Coláiste Chríost Rí website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} Kavanagh also lined out for Chríost Rí in the subsequent All-Ireland colleges final replay defeat by St Patrick's College.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2014/04/10/news/maghera-s-latest-breed-of-hogan-cup-heroes-88694/|title=Maghera's latest breed of Hogan Cup heroes|publisher=The Irish News|date=10 April 2014|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} He later played on Cork Regional Technical College's inaugural Sigerson Cup team.

Club career

Kavanagh began his club career playing in the street leagues at juvenile level with the Nemo Rangers club on the southside of Cork city.{{cite news|url=http://www.nemorangers.ie/contentPage/10070060/h_i_s_t_o_r_y|title=The history of Nemo Rangers hurling and football club|publisher=Nemo Rangers GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} He enjoyed a hugely successful underage career and won three successive Cork MAFC titles between 1989 and 1991. Kavanagh's final year in the minor grade also saw him won a Cork U21AFC medal after a defeat of Beara in the final.

By that stage Kavanagh had already joined the club's senior team, having made his debut in a quarter-final replay defeat of Imokilly in 1990. He claimed his first silverware three years later, when Nemo claimed the Cork SFC title after a 0-13 to 0-04 defeat of St Finbarr's in the 1993 final.{{cite news|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41255185.html|title=It's 30 years since Nemo stopped the Barrs Cork County senior double |publisher=Echo Live|date=1 November 2023|access-date=29 January 2024|first=Dylan|last=O'Connell}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40992386.html|title='Rampant Rangers': how Nemo denied St Finbarr's the double in 1993|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=26 October 2022|access-date=29 January 2024|first=Adrian|last=Russell}} Kavanagh later collected a Munster Club SFC medal before scoring 2-02 in Nemo's defeat of Castlebar Mitchels in the 1994 All-Ireland club final.{{cite web|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41028323.html|title=Throwback Thursday: When a brilliant Nemo team became kings of Munster in 1993 |date=15 December 2022|publisher=Echo Live|accessdate=1 July 2023|first=Dylan|last=O'Connell}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/nemo-to-add-to-mayo-misery-26090205.html|title=Nemo to add to Mayo misery|date=16 April 2001|publisher=Irish Independent|accessdate=1 July 2020|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}

Kavanagh was a key member of the Nemo Rangers team that won three successive Cork SFC medals from 2000 to 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/powerful-rangers-devour-carbery/26105653.html|title=Powerful Rangers devour Carbery|date=2 October 2002|publisher=Irish Independent|accessdate=1 July 2020|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/corkery-leads-rout-26069588.html|title=Corkery leads rout|publisher=Irish Independent|date=1 October 2001|access-date=10 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2002/1007/sport/corkery-a-colossus-in-nemo-victory-645944049.html|title=Corkery a colossus in Nemo victory|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=7 October 2002|access-date=10 April 2019|first=Michael|last=Ellard}} These were subsequently converted into three successive Munster Club SFC titles, however, Nemo lost back-to-back All-Ireland club finals in 2001 and 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/super-crossmolina-leave-ghosts-seeking-new-haunt-26090305.html|title=Super Crossmolina leave ghosts seeking new haunt|date=17 April 2001|publisher=Irish Independent|accessdate=1 July 2020|first=Tom|last=O'Riordan}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/ballinderry-finish-in-style-26055367.html|title=Ballinderry finish in style|date=18 March 2002|publisher=Irish Independent|accessdate=1 July 2020|first=Martin|last=Breheny}} Kavanagh claimed a second All-Ireland club winners' medal after Nemo's 0-14 to 1-09 defeat of Crossmolina Deel Rovers in the 2003 All-Ireland club final.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/nemo-keep-on-pushing-until-they-crack-it-1.352527?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fsport%2Fnemo-keep-on-pushing-until-they-crack-it-1.352527|title=Nemo keep on pushing until they crack it|date=18 March 2003|publisher=Irish Times|accessdate=1 July 2020|first=Seán|last=Moran}}

Kavanagh won a fifth and final Cork SFC medal after a defeat of Muskerry in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/cork-slick-nemo-prove-far-too-strong-for-muskerry-25962884.html|title=CORK: Slick Nemo prove far too strong for Muskerry|publisher=Irish Independent|date=24 October 2005|access-date=9 April 2019}} After later winning a fifth provincial medal, he made his final senior appearance in the 2006 All-Ireland club semi-final defeat by St Gall's.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/well-prepared-underdogs-have-the-gall-to-dump-rangers-from-club-championship/26400497.html|title=Well-prepared underdogs have the gall to dump Rangers from club championship|publisher=Irish Independent|date=20 February 2006|access-date=9 April 2019}} Kavanagh continued to line out with Nemo Rangers in the lower grade Cork PIFC, before bringing his 20-year club career to an end with Nemo's junior team in 2010.

Inter-county career

Kavanagh began a two-year association with the Cork minor team in 1990.{{cite web|url=https://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/7/cork_minor_football_teams_1970__2009.pdf|title=Cork minor football teams: 1970-2009|publisher=Cork GAA website|date=|access-date=9 April 2023}} He won a Munster MFC after a defeat of Kerry in his second and final season with the team.{{cite news|url=https://munster.gaa.ie/history/minor-football/|title=Minor football|publisher=Munster GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} Kavanagh later scored two points in Cork's 1991 All-Ireland minor final defeat of Mayo.{{cite news|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40152338.html|title=The key to improving Cork football in the longer term lies in secondary schools|publisher=Echo Live|date=1 June 2019|access-date=29 January 2024|first=Christy|last=O'Connor}} He was still in his last year with the minor team when he began his four-year tenure as a member of Cork's under-21 team.{{cite news|url=https://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/7/U21%20Football%20teams%20results.pdf|title=Cork under-21 football teams: 1962-2010|publisher=Cork GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} Kavanagh won a Munster U21FC medal in his final year in the grade, before claiming an All-Ireland U21FC medal after a 1-12 to 1-05 defeat of Mayo in the 1994 All-Ireland under-21 final.{{cite news|url=https://munster.gaa.ie/history/under-21-football/|title=Under-21 football|publisher=Munster GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}}{{cite news|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40739400.html|title=Can Cork get the most from their U20 footballers like Mayo and Tyrone do?|publisher=Echo Live|date=9 November 2021|access-date=29 January 2024|first=Christy|last=O'Connor}}

Kavanagh was just out of the minor grade when he joined the senior team for the 1991–92 league. He made his championship debut in the 1992 Munster semi-final defeat by Kerry.{{cite news|url=https://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/7/SFC%201990-1999.pdf|title=Cork senior football teams: 1990-1999|publisher=Cork GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} Kavanagh won his first Munster SFC in 1993 after beating Tipperary in the final.{{cite news|url=https://munster.gaa.ie/history/sf_teams/|title=Senior football|publisher=Munster GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} He later scored 1-01 in the 1993 All-Ireland final defeat by Derry, but ended the year with an All-Star.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2023/0629/1391872-nineties-revisited-as-derry-v-cork-gets-second-outing/|title=Nineties revisited as Derry v Cork gets second outing|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2 July 2023|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}}{{cite news|url=https://gaacork.ie/__trashed-4/|title=Cork football All Stars: 1966-2019|publisher=Cork GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}} Kavanagh won further Munster SFC medals in 1994 and 1995 as Cork completed their second-ever three-in-a-row.

A period of Kerry dominance followed, however, Kavanagh claimed his first national silverware with Cork after a defeat of Dublin in the 1999 league final.{{cite web|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40127333.html|title=Cork football rewatch: League final joy in the Páirc against the Dubs in 1999|publisher=Echo Live|date=19 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2023}} A fourth Munster SFC followed later that season, however, he was again at centre-forward when Cork suffered a 1-11 to 1-08 defeat by Meath in the 1999 All-Ireland final.{{cite web|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-40123403.html|title=10 of the best: That sweet feeling when Cork beat Kerry in championship|publisher=Echo Live|date=28 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40031381.html|title=Mark O'Sullivan will take 1999 All-Ireland final regrets 'to the grave'|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=13 August 2020|access-date=9 April 2023}}

Kavanagh served as team captain in 2001. He collected a fifth Munster SFC winners' medal after a defeat of Tipperary in the 2002 Munster final replay.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-10049144.html|title=Corkery leads Cork rout of Tipp|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=22 July 2002|access-date=9 April 2023}} Kavanagh's last game for Cork was a subsequent All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Kerry.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/sport/other-sports/the-juggernaut-rolls-on/27371613.html|title=The juggernaut rolls on!|publisher=The Corkman|date=30 August 2002|access-date=9 April 2023}}

Inter-provincial career

Kavanagh's performances at inter-county level resulted in a call-up to the Munster inter-provincial team. He spent four years with the team over a five-year period, culminating with the winning of a Railway Cup medal in 1999.{{cite news|url=https://munster.gaa.ie/history/railway-cup-football/|title=Railway Cup football|publisher=Munster GAA website|date=|access-date=29 January 2024|first=|last=}}

Coaching career

Kavanagh has been involved in coaching at all levels with Nemo Rangers.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20143660.html|title=Club rivals shining off the pitch too|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=29 January 2011|access-date=29 January 2024|first=John|last=Fogarty}} He was a selector when the club's senior team beat st Finbarr's to win the Cork SFC title in 2017, before later claiming the Munster Club SFC title.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/nemo-nous-steers-them-to-thrilling-20th-cork-title-461449.html|title=Nemo nous steers them to thrilling 20th Cork title|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=23 October 2017|access-date=10 April 2019|first=Tony|last=Leen}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20463541.html|title=Inventive Nemo Rangers put weary Dr Crokes to the sword|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=27 November 2017|access-date=10 April 2019|first=Tony|last=Leen}} Nemo Rangers ended the season by being beaten by Corofin in the 2018 All-Ireland club final.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/corofin-crowned-champions-after-sensational-attacking-display-blows-nemo-rangers-away/36715375.html|title=Corofin crowned champions after sensational attacking display blows Nemo Rangers away|publisher=Irish Independent|date=17 March 2018|access-date=10 April 2019|first=Darragh|last=Small}}