Schoolboy of 8 loses brave battle with illness

EIGHT-year-old Graham Kavanagh lost a long and very brave battle against illness on Wednesday last when he died at his residence, 57 Birch Close, New Oak Estate, Carlow.

Graham was only son of James and Enda Kavanagh - his mother is the former Enda Walker.

The Kavanaghs have one other child, four-year-old Caitlín.

Graham, who was about to enter third class at Askea Boys' National School, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2000. At that time he underwent surgery at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

The illness returned in February of this year and led to another operation.

This week, Graham's parents spoke of their son's positive attitude towards his ill-ness. He never once complained throughout the three years of serious illness, which involved many highs and lows.

Graham's mother said: "Graham touched everybody who knew him. The simple things in life made him happy like going every Thursday to The Roadhouse with his aunt Mrs. Helena Holmes, while every Monday he went with his father to the Fare Play shop on Green Lane."

Graham's interests were his PC, his video games and his PlayStation.

In the final months of his life his parents brought Graham to Lourdes, a visit he greatly enjoyed, while also bringing him on day trips to the zoo and seaside. James and Enda are grateful that Graham managed to pack so much into his short life.

Graham died at home in the company of his parents and relatives.

On Thursday the remains were removed from the Kavanagh home to The Church of the Holy Family, Askea where they were received by Fr. John Fitzpatrick, Adm., and Fr. Ger Ahern, Adm., Carlow.

Gifts during Mass symbolised Graham's short life - his Game Boy being brought to the altar by his mother, his large mug (Graham loved tea) by his father, his baseball hat by his uncle and godfather, Colm Kavanagh and new maths book by his aunt and godmother, Sharon Cummins.

Classmates formed a guard of honour at the church and Graham was then laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, Carlow.

Graham is survived by his parents, sister, grandmother Mrs. Breda Walker, 72 John Sweeney Park, aunts, uncles, other relatives, their very good neighbours and many friends.