Adam Kavanagh has taken over as President of County Carlow Football Club for the new season, following a family path well-trodden in Carlow rugby circles.
His father, Des Kavanagh, held the same office in 2000/01 – the year the club won promotion to the All-Ireland League – before going on to become President of Leinster Rugby in 2008/09, the season Leinster lifted their first Heineken Cup, and, in 2020, the first Co. Carlow man ever elected President of the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Adam himself came up through the club’s underage ranks, winning Leinster League and Cup medals at U16 and U18 level before moving into coaching the club’s youth teams – grounding that he now brings to the club’s top table.
“I’ve been involved in Carlow Rugby club in one way or another since I was 6 years of age, I know the great work that volunteers do to create an environment for children and adults of all ages and abilities to experience the benefits of team sports, and to have the opportunity to play rugby. It’s a great honor for me to be part of that, and especially now to have the opportunity to represent this great club for the coming season. I’d like to thank all of the volunteers, the Executive committee, Trustees and youths and minis coaches for their dedication and commitment to the club. I’d especially like to thank Kevin Fahy (President Elect) and Alan Gordon (Junior President Elect) for their support and ongoing commitment to the club. Best wishes to all..” Adam Kavanagh
Kavanagh takes up the presidency for the 2026/27 season, with a clear line of succession already in place behind him: Kevin Fahey will follow as President for 2026/27, and Alan Gordan will take over the year after that.
“I am delighted to see Adam take on the presidency of our club for the coming season. He has proven himself to be a true Co Carlow Football club man and will no doubt have a hugely successful year. I will learn a lot from him and throw myself fully into the following season. Great times ahead for rugby in Carlow!” Kevin Fahy
“I would like to wish Adam all the best with his presidency. I am sure Adam will be as great a president as his father was before him. Des led the club in some great and exciting times with huge support from his wife Marie and I think we are in a new era where Carlow Rugby is on the up both on and off the field.” Alan Gordon
Founded in 1873, Co. Carlow FC has long prided itself on being a family club, with successive generations turning out in the black and amber and, in some cases, following relatives into the club’s leadership. The Kavanaghs’ contribution now spans three decades and three of Irish rugby’s top offices – club, province and union.
Speaking after his election as IRFU President in 2020, Des Kavanagh said the achievement carried particular weight given his family’s long involvement with the club: “From a family point of view who have been involved with rugby since the kids were young, it is a huge honour.”
That family involvement now enters a new chapter, with Adam Kavanagh leading Co. Carlow FC this season, ahead of Kevin Fahy and Alan Gordon in the years to come.
