Esther Kavanagh

Esther Kavanagh was born on 22nd March 1908 at Wells Lane, Arklow, to John (Jack) Kavanagh and Julia Loughlin.

Her birth was registered on 30th March 1908 by Eliza Tyrrell.

1911 Census

By 1911, the family had moved to Money Big, where Esther was listed residing in a three-roomed, slate-roofed house alongside his parents and siblings; John, Terence, Elizabeth, Maria, Thomas, Annie and Maryanne.

1926 Census

By the time of the 1926 census, seventeen-year-old Esther was residing with her parents at Pearse Terrace No. 5, where she was recorded as working as a general servant.

Bridesmaid Duties

Esther played an active role in her siblings' lives, standing as a official witness at two family weddings. On 17th July 1935 she was a witness at the wedding of her sister, Elizabeth Kavanagh, to James Doyle at Arklow Parish Church and on 10th May 1939, she was a witness at the wedding of her brother, Thomas Kavanagh, to Teresa Martin at the Roman Catholic Church of Templerainey.

Standing as a witness at the wedding of her cousin, Annie McLaughlin (see below), shows the bond that existed between the cousins was reflected again when Annie returned the favour, standing as a witness when Esther got married.

Marriage to Christy Ebbs

On 3rd February 1941, Esther married Christopher (Christy) Ebbs, a labourer from Ballingarry, Cranford, Gorey, Wexford, at the Roman Catholic Church of Arklow. 

At the time of their marriage, Esther was living at 7 Mellows Avenue, Arklow. The ceremony was officiated by Fr Michael Gilmartin, with Patrick Ebbs and Annie Hand serving as witnesses.

The couple later lived at 44 St. Peter's Place, Arklow. 

Esther passed away suddenly from a coronary thrombosis at her home on 27th August 1970, aged 60. Her death was registered on 21st September 1970 by her husband, Christopher, who was present at her passing.

Notes:

Annie McLaughlin (daughter of Bernard McLaughlin), married John Hand on 5th Aug 1940 in Arklow. The witnesses were Edward McLoughlin and Esther Kavanagh.