Dale Kavanagh is the latest Laois native to go viral on TikTok after a video he posted gained over two million views.
Dale is the owner of Dale Kavanagh Steel and one of his inventions gained huge traction on the platform amassing a huge amount views, as well as almost 32,000 likes.
The Killeen native posted a video of a ‘Quick Cage’ on the back of a quad and it exploded online.
The Quad Quick Cage is the ultimate farming companion, designed for easy transport of lambs, calves, or supplies.
Made from durable aluminium, it features a quick-release system for seamless attachment to all quad brands, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.
Compact, lightweight, and capable of holding up to 60kg, it’s perfect for modern farming needs.
Speaking to LaoisToday, Dale explained how inquires have come in from as far away as Australia and America.
Dale said: “I started my business during lockdown in 2021 and naturally enough, it was a big change going from being employed to being self-employed.
“A while ago I decided to have a go at TikTok so I created an account to show what projects we have worked on.
“It’s just crazy that the video I posted showing our Quick Cage on the back of a quad has gone viral around the world, and that I have had inquiries from as far away as Australia, Canada and America.”
Dale believes that the key to the video’s popularity lies in the quick release idea that he came up with, as well as the cage being very lightweight.
He said: “I came up with the idea for the Quick Cage to help not only just farmers but also help anyone who uses a quad in general when working.
“The idea was to make a cage that is lightweight, multifunctional and easy to attach and detach to a quad.
“To me the ‘quick release’ system is the unique feature of the cage, it allows the user to attach and detach the cage in under 20 seconds.”
Dale is an accomplished welder and metal fabricator and can turn his hand to a range of products.
He said: “I’ve been lucky to have been involved in various different projects over the years, and love the challenge of something new.
“I really enjoy bringing the clients vision to life – be that a new gate, or even a glasshouse.”
Dale grew up in Killeen and is no stranger to farm work.
He added: “My first job was working on JJ and Paul McDonald’s farm next door.
“I started working on the farm one summer when I was on school holidays and loved it.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time on my grandad’s farm and with my Dad who is a skilled carpenter, I learned a huge amount from both of them.
“I have always enjoyed making things and exposure to welding on the farm ignited my interest to take up the trade.”
Dale then went on to work in Pearson Milking Technology in Athy before starting his own business in 2021.
He said: “In general, it’s always a risk to start your own business, especially in the middle of a Covid pandemic.
“Hardwork, determination and a great support system have been the key to staying going.
“Admittedly, it is solid hardship at times though” laughed Dale.
The DKS Quick Cage can be viewed on Dale’s TikTok @dalekavanaghsteel1 and can be ordered and purchased from his website www.dalekavanaghsteel.ie.
@dalekavanaghsteel1 New and improved design to our quad cage! We have fabricated the cages completely from aluminium which means we have reduced weight drastically. Less weight means less pressure on the back of the quad while carrying more. The best part about our cages is they can be put on and taken off in less than 30 seconds. #quickrelease #farm #agri #agriculture #irishtiktok #irishfarmer #irishsheep #calving #lambing #lambingseason #sheep #sheepdog #for #foru #beeffarmer #dairy #quadcage #timesaver #efficiency #fencing #fencinglife #fabrication #aluminium #innovation #qrcage #quickattach #quad #farmquad ♬ Over Galway Town (feat. Jack Reilly) – Jamie McIntyre
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