Career
Kavanagh was a dual internationalist and played for both Ireland teams – the IFA XI and the FAI XI. After leaving Celtic, Kavanagh had spells with several clubs before finishing his career with a works team prior to the Second World War. He eventually settled in Glasgow where he died on 15 February 1993. Bohemians
League of Ireland
Winners 1927-1928: 1
FAI Cup
Winners 1928: 1
Leinster Senior Cup
Winners 1928: 1
League of Ireland Shield
Winners 1927-1928, 1928-1929: 2
Celtic
He then scored his first goal for the club two weeks later against Aberdeen.
Despite an initial bright start at Celtic, Kavanagh subsequently lost his first team place and was released by the club in May 1932.
When Kavanagh played international football between 1929 and 1930, there were in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern Ireland – based IFA and the Irish Free State – based FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island.
As a result, several notable Irish players from this era, including Kavanagh played for both teams. IFA XI
On 19 October 1929 at Windsor Park, Kavanagh made his one and only appearance for the IFA XI in a 3–0 defeat to England.
His team mates on the day included Elisha Scott and Joe Bambrick.
In 1931 he turned down the offer of a second cap from IFA to play for the FAI XI against Spain. FAI XI
In 1931 Kavanagh he also played twice for the FAI XI against Spain. On 26 April 1931 he helped an FAI XI that also included Tom Farquharson, Paddy Moore, Jeremiah Robinson, Harry Chatton and Charlie Dowdall gain a respectable 1–1 draw at the Montjuic Stadium in Barcelona.
Just after Farquharson had saved a penalty, he kicked the ball out to Kavanagh, who then made a break down the wing.
However, as the Spanish goalkeeper, Ricardo Zamora advanced, his shot hit the post and went wide. He made his second and last appearance for the FAI XI in the return game against Spain on 13 December 1931 at Dalymount Park.