There is sadness in Portlaoise this week following the passing of a former publican who was very well known.
Vera Kavanagh (née Keane) passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 16.
Mrs Kavanagh, originally from Dacklin, Carrick-on-Shannon, in Roscommon, was the proprietor of the Wrens Nest pub on Main Street in Portlaoise.
Vera and her late husband PJ Snr ran the iconic bar for many years before it passing it to their son PJ Jnr.
PJ, and his wife Niamh, turned it into the extremely successful Kavanagh’s Live Bar and Venue which is there today.
Vera and her family are loyal supporters of Portlaoise GAA and they paid tribute to her on their Facebook page.
They said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with PJ and all the Kavanagh family on the sad passing of their beloved mam, Vera.
“Vera was predeceased by PJ Snr. They both ran the famous Wrens Nest pub on Main Street for many years – now the very successful Kavanagh’s Live Bar and Venue and owned by PJ Jnr and his wife Niamh.
“The Wrens Nest was an iconic bar with strong Portlaoise GAA affiliations.
“It was a much loved venue for after match refreshments, but also for important club and team meetings.
“PJ Snr and Vera were great supporters of ‘The Town’ and Vera’s passing marks the end of an era.
“PJ Jnr has carried that torch with pride. He was a talented footballer for the club in his younger days and his own children are now playing.
“He has done sterling work with the club in recent years, especially from a fundraising capacity and was one of the driving forces behind Club Bingo which was a wonderful fundraising and social initiative during the Covid lockdown.
“He is consistently supportive, a great sounding board – and always willing to help when approached.
“We were very grateful for his generous donation of a number of seated benches which get so much use in Rathleague.
“Our sincere condolences go to PJ, his sisters Nora, Ita, Veronica, Siobhán, and Claire – and all of the family, extended family and friends of Vera.
“May Vera Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Kavanagh’s Live Bar and Venue will remain closed until Thursday as a mark of respect to Vera.
They said: “Unfortunately our Mother, Vera Kavanagh, passed away yesterday (Sunday 16th June 2024).
“Vera, and our predeceased father PJ, lived and worked most of their lives here in Kavanagh’s Bar, The Wrens Nest, Main Street, Portlaoise where they raised their family Nora, Ita, Veronica, Siobhán, Claire and PJ.
“Vera wouldn’t of liked a long winded run of words here so we’ll keep it short.
“Vera will be remembered as the Lady she was and will be sorely missed by her many family and friends.
“We would like to thank everyone for their compassionate words and condolences. It means a lot to our family at this time.
“As a mark of respect Kavanagh’s will be closed until Thursday 20th June.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. PJ & all the Kavanagh Family.”
Vera will be deeply missed by her brothers and sisters, Tess, Val, Anne, John, and Des. Predeceased by Mai, PJ, Mícheal, Sr. Ita and Rita.
Much loved grandmother to Sarah, Ronan, Emma, Will, Tadhg, Ellen, Luke, Adam, Noah, and Suzie. Deeply regretted by her sons in law Reg, Mark, Patrick, Alan and daughter in law Niamh, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, friends and former customers of Kavanaghs Pub.
Vera will be reposing at her residence from 3pm to 8pm on Tuesday with rosary at 8pm.
On Wednesday, her removal from her residence at 1.15pm to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 2pm requiem mass.
Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise.
May she Rest in Peace.
