James Kavanagh

James Kavanagh was born on 9th August 1875 at Askintinny to John Kavanagh, a fisherman, and Elizabeth Death.

He was baptised two days later, on 11th August 1875, in Arklow Catholic Parish, with Hugh Bolger and Margaret Byrne standing as his godparents.

Tragically, James’s life was cut short when a deadly outbreak of smallpox struck the family home in May 1879. James succumbed to the illness on 5th May 1879 at Askintinny, aged just 4 years, having fought the disease for 13 days without medical attendance.

His death occurred a mere three days after his six-year-old sister, Teresa, died from the same outbreak. Their father, John, was present at both of their deaths and registered both loss entries together on 23rd May 1879.