Tributes were paid last night to the retired auxiliary bishop of Dublin, Dr James Kavanagh, who died yesterday. He was 88.
A high-profile agitator for social justice in the 1970s and 1980s, Dr Kavanagh campaigned for the release of the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four and Nicky Kelly, who was convicted of the Sallins train robbery in 1976.
He pleaded the case of Travellers, acted as arbitrator in numerous industrial disputes and intervened on behalf of Dublin street sellers, jailed for trading illegally in the early 1980s.
A native of Dublin's north side, Dr Kavanagh was a distinguished academic. He graduated from UCD and Oxford and in 1951 became the first director of the Dublin Institute of Adult Education. In the 1960s he served as professor of social science at UCD. He wrote the widely-read textbook, A Manual of Social Ethics.
In 1973 Dr Kavanagh was appointed auxiliary archbishop of Dublin and served for 18 years. He passed away peacefully at Sybil Hill nursing home in Raheny.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell, described him as a devoted clergyman and close friend. He added: "It is with the deepest regret that I have been informed of the death of Bishop James Kavanagh. He was my devoted brother in the episcopate, my friend and constant support. By his pastoral charity he was beloved of the priests, religious and people of the diocese."
The Dublin Central TD, Mr Tony Gregory, said of Dr Kavanagh: "He was one of the few members of the establishment who took an interest and expressed support for the street traders."
He is survived by his brother, Father Mark Kavanagh of the Columban Fathers, his sisters, brother-in-law, nephews and nieces.
Funeral arrangements are for the reception of remains at 5 p.m. today at the Church of the Holy Child, Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin. Requiem Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, with burial afterwards in Glasnevin.