Welcome to the Joe Kavanagh Foundation

The family and friends of Joe Kavanagh have set up this Foundation following his sudden death on 7th July 2007.

Joe’s sudden death was a huge shock to everyone that knew him. He had an extremely healthy lifestyle, being involved in sport (particularly basketball) and training all his life. He was exceptionally fit. Joe collapsed at the start of a training session in the gym from Ventricular Arrhythmia (fatal irregular heartbeat).

Although CPR was administered promptly Joe never regained consciousness and three days later, having donated his organs, the life support was turned off. Joe was 47 years of age. If there was a defibrillator in the gym Joe would have had a much greater chance of survival.

Latest News

The Joe Kavanagh Foundation was delighted to support Castlcomer Community School in acquiring a defibrillator and organising training recently. Well done to all involved and here's some photos from Castlecomer where 16 people completed training!

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The Joe Kavanagh Foundation was delighted to support St. Francis of Assisi Primary School in Balgriffin recently, in acquiring a defibrillator and training. Well done to everyone involved.Read more


Basketball Ireland recently purchased a defibrillator through the Joe Kavanagh Foundation and training was held in the Basketball Arena, Tallaght, yesterday. Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed the "Cardiac First Responder" course.

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Thanks to everyone who supported the Joe Kavanagh Foundation at the Dublin Masters Basketball Tournament last weekend. The Foundation is very grateful for donations received. This was the first year of the tournament and we were very honoured to hear the Ladies trophy was to be named "The Joe Kavanagh Cup" as a tribute to Joe. The men's trophy was named "The Tom McLoughlin Cup" as a tribute to Tom, a very dear friend of Joe's.

Captain Claire Boylan, Glasnevin receives the Joe Kavanagh Memorial Trophy from Kate.
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The Joe Kavanagh Foundation was delighted to support Colaiste Bride with acquiring a defibrillator and training recently. Kate presented the defibrillator to Steve McEntaggart, Vice Principal.

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AIMS OF THE FOUNDATION

  • To reduce the incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death
  • To highlight the importance of being able to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and use a Defibrillator
  • To help organise and support the running of CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training courses with instructors affiliated to the Irish Heart Foundation.
  • To support the instillation of AEDs in communities that need help
  • To support research into early detection of problems that can lead to Sudden Cardiac Death,

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • Encourage your sports club, workplace or community to run a CPR/AED course and to install a defibrillator and contact us for support
  • Organise a fundraising event in your club or community to support the Joe Kavanagh Foundation and we can help with installing a defibrillator and running CPR/AED courses.
  • Donate

Registered Charity No: CHY 19059