View source for Michael Kavanagh

{{Short description|Kilkenny hurler}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=August 2022}}
{{other people}}
{{Infobox GAA player
| code= Hurling
| sport = Hurling
| image =
| name = Michael Kavanagh
| irish = Mícheál Caomhánach
| fullname = Michael Kavanagh
| feet = 99
| inches = 11
| occupation = Business man
| nickname = Mick
| county = Kilkenny
| province = Leinster
| club = [[St Lachtain's GAA|St Lachtain's]]
| clposition = Corner-back
| clubs =
| clyears = 
| clapps(points) =
| clcounty = 0
| clprovince=
| clallireland =
| colleges        = [[Waterford IT GAA|Waterford Institute of Technology]]
| colapps(points) = 
| fitz            = 2
| counties = [[Kilkenny county hurling team|Kilkenny]]
| icposition = Right corner-back
| icyears = 1998–2012
| icapps(points) = 48 (0-1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kilkennygaa.ie/index.php?page=championshipappearances.php|title=Kilkenny panel championship appearance's and scores|publisher=[[Kilkenny GAA]]|access-date=2009-09-08}}</ref>
| icprovince = 10
| icallireland = 8
| nhl = 5
| allstars = 4
| clupdate =
| icupdate = 22:07, 8 January 2015
| birth_date={{Birth date and age|1979|4|6|df=yes}}
| birth_place=[[Freshford, Ireland|Freshford]], [[County Kilkenny]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
}}
'''Michael John Kavanagh''' (born 6 April 2001) is an [[Irish people|Irish]] former [[Hurling|hurler]] who played as a right corner-back at senior level for the [[Kilkenny county hurling team|Kilkenny county team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kilkennygaa.ie/page/Michael%20Kavanagh|title=Profile: Michael Kavanagh|publisher=Kilkenny GAA website|access-date=8 January 2015}}</ref>

Born in [[Freshford, Ireland|Freshford]], [[County Kilkenny]], Kavanagh first played competitive hurling during his schooling at [[St Kieran's College]]. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he first linked up with the Kilkenny minor team, before later joining the under-21 side. He joined the senior team during the [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1998|1998 championship]]. Kavanagh immediately became a regular member of the starting fifteen, and won seven [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medals, ten [[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medals and five [[National Hurling League|National League]] medals on the field of play. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on three occasions.

As a member of the [[Leinster GAA|Leinster]] inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Kavanagh won two [[Railway Cup]] medals. At club level he is an [[All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medallist with [[St Lachtain's GAA|St Lachtain's]] in the intermediate grade. In addition to this he has also won a set of [[Leinster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship|Leinster]] and [[Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship|championship]] medals.

Throughout his career Kavanagh made 48 championship appearances. He announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 9 February 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2012/0209/291212-kilkenny_kavamaghm/|title=Kilkenny's Kavanagh quits inter-county scene|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=9 February 2012|access-date=8 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/sport/gaelic-games/now_kavanagh_calls_it_a_day_1_3506558 |title=Now Kavanagh calls it a day |publisher=Kilkenny People |date=9 February 2012 |access-date=8 January 2015 |first=John |last=Knox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211064956/http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/sport/gaelic-games/now_kavanagh_calls_it_a_day_1_3506558 |archive-date=11 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/cat-kavanagh-calls-it-quits-183400.html|title=Cat Kavanagh calls it quits|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=10 February 2012|access-date=8 January 2015|first=John|last=Knox}}</ref>

In 2002 Kavanagh won the first of four [[GAA All Stars Awards|All-Star]] awards. He was also chosen as one of the 125 greatest hurlers of all-time in a 2009 poll. That same year Kavanagh was chosen on the Leinster team of the past twenty-five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/carey-among-seven-cats-included-on-best-leinster-team-of-past-25-years-1808955.html|title=Carey among seven Cats included on best Leinster team of past 25 years|publisher=Irish Independent|date=7 July 2009|access-date=4 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/the-125-greatest-stars-of-the-gaa-76100-26579205.html|title=The 125 greatest stars of the GAA: 76-100|publisher=Irish Independent|date=4 November 2009|access-date=4 September 2010|first=Colm & Breheny, Martin|last=Keyes}}</ref>

In retirement from playing Kavanagh became involved in team management and coaching. In 2015 he was appointed trainer to the [[Wicklow GAA|Wicklow]] senior team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=230843|title=Michael Kavanagh joins Garden County think-tank|publisher=Hogan Stand|date=27 January 2015|access-date=27 January 2015}}</ref>

==Playing career==
===Colleges===
During his schooling at [[St Kieran's College]] in [[Kilkenny (city)|Kilkenny]], Kavanagh established himself as a key member of the senior hurling team. In 1996 he won his sole [[Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medal as [[St Augustine's and Good Counsel College, New Ross|Good Counsel College]] were narrowly defeated by 1-7 to 1-6. [[St Colman's College, Fermoy|St Colman's College]] provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland decider. A 1-14 to 2-6 victory gave Kavanagh an [[Dr. Croke Cup|All-Ireland]] medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/old-order-under-threat-in-new-colleges-landscape-26701472.html|title=Old order under threat in new colleges landscape|publisher=Irish Independent|date=21 November 2010|access-date=26 November 2014|first=Marie|last=Crowe}}</ref>

===University===
During his studies at the [[Waterford Institute of Technology]], Kavanagh was an automatic inclusion on the [[Waterford IT GAA|college hurling team]]. In 2004 he was at right corner-back as WIT faced [[UCC GAA|University College Cork]] in the final of the [[Fitzgibbon Cup]]. Two goals from [[Declan Browne]] in a six-minute spell before half-time gave WIT a commanding lead. [[Neil Ronan]] bagged a fourth goal straight after the interval which helped WIT to a 4-15 to 3-12 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GAA%3A+Goal-den+Browne%3B+Waterford+IT+4-15+UCC+3-12.-a060397332|title=Goal-den Browne|publisher=The Mirror|date=6 March 2004|access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref>

Kavanagh lined out in a second successive Fitzgibbon Cup decider in 2000. [[UCD GAA|University College Dublin]] were the opponents on that occasion; however, a 2-10 to 1-6 victory gave WIT the victory. It was Kavanagh's second Fitzgibbon Cup medal.

===Club===
After a lengthy career with [[St Lachtain's GAA|St Lachtain's]], Kavanagh lined out in his first intermediate decider in 2009. A narrow 0-16 to 1-11 defeat of [[Dicksboro GAA|Dicksboro]] gave him a [[Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship|championship]] medal.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.advertiser.ie/carlowfirst/article/18380 | publisher=Kilkenny Advertiser | title=St. Lachtain's weathered the storm at Nowlan Park | date=23 October 2009 | access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref> Kavanagh later added a [[Leinster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medal to his collection when St Lachtain's secured a 1-8 to 0-7 defeat of [[Mount Leinster Rangers GAA|Mount Leinster Rangers]] to take the provincial title for the first time. On 13 February 2010 St Lachtain's faced [[St Gall's GAC|St Gall's]] in the All-Ireland decider. John Fitzpatrick (two) and Ollie O'Connor hit the goals that helped secure a comprehensive 3-17 to 0-10 victory and an [[All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship]] medal for Kavanagh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/st-galls-are-blown-away-in-decider-28517829.html|title=St Gall's are blown away in decider|publisher=Belfast Telegraph|date=15 February 2010|access-date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

===Inter-county===
====Minor and under-21====
Kavanagh first played for Kilkenny in 1995 when he joined the minor side. He won his first [[Leinster Minor Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medal that year following a 4-16 to 2-6 defeat of [[Offaly GAA|Offaly]]. The subsequent All-Ireland decider pitted Kilkenny against old rivals [[Cork GAA|Cork]], with Kavanagh lining out at right corner-back. The game turned into a rout as Cork won easily by 2-10 to 1-2.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eveningecho.ie/2013/07/01/dwyer-is-nurturing-love-of-the-game-in-ballincollig/ |title=Dwyer is nurturing love of the game in Ballincollig |publisher=Evening Echo |date=1 July 2013 |access-date=1 August 2014 |first=Éamonn |last=Murphy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722111203/http://www.eveningecho.ie/2013/07/01/dwyer-is-nurturing-love-of-the-game-in-ballincollig/ |archive-date=22 July 2014 }}</ref>

In 1996 Kavanagh won his second Leinster medal, as [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]] were accounted for on a 1-16 to 1-11 score line. The All-Ireland campaign came to an end at the semi-final stage.

Kavanagh was eligible for the minor grade again in 1997. A 3-16 to 1-10 defeat of Offaly gave him a third successive Leinster medal, however, his quest for an [[All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medal came to an end at the semi-final stage.

In 1998 Kavanagh was drafted onto the Kilkenny under-21 team. A 2-10 to 0-12 defeat of Dublin in the provincial decider gave him his first [[Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medal in that grade.

Kavanagh won a second Leinster medal in 1999, following a 1-17 to 1-6 trouncing of Offaly. The subsequent All-Ireland decider was a thrilling affair, with Kilkenny securing a narrow 1-13 to 0-14 defeat of [[Galway GAA|Galway]] to give Kavanagh his sole [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medal.

====Unsuccessful beginnings====
Kavanagh was just out of the minor grade when he joined the Kilkenny senior team in 1999. He made his senior championship debut on 31 May 1998 in a 4-23 to 0-14 Leinster quarter-final defeat of Dublin. Kavanagh later won his first [[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medal following a 3-10 to 1-11 defeat of Offaly. The subsequent All-Ireland decider on 13 September 1998 saw both sides face off against each other in a first all-Leinster affair. Offaly's [[Brian Whelahan]], who was suffering from flu, delivered one of his greatest ever performances. After starting in defence he was later moved to full-forward where he scored 1–6. Offaly reversed the Leinster final defeat by winning the All-Ireland final by 2–16 to 1–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/offaly-silence-the-back-door-knockers-26174142.html|title=Offaly silence the 'back door' knockers|publisher=Irish Independent|date=14 September 1998|access-date=30 October 2013|first=Eugene|last=McGee}}</ref>

Kilkenny gained their revenge on Offaly in the 1999 provincial final. A huge 5–14 to 1–16 victory over their near rivals gave Kilkenny the win and gave Kavanagh a second Leinster medal. The subsequent All-Ireland decider saw Kilkenny face Cork on 12 September 1999. In a dour contest played on a wet day, Cork trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 after a low-scoring first half. Kilkenny increased the pace after the interval, pulling into a four-point lead. Cork moved up a gear and through [[Joe Deane]], [[Ben O'Connor (hurler)|Ben O'Connor]] and [[Seánie McGrath]] Cork scored five unanswered points. Kilkenny could only manage one more score – a point from a [[Henry Shefflin]] free – and Cork held out to win by 0-13 to 0-12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/1999/0912/3317-gaa/|title=All-Ireland Hurling Final: Cork 0-13 Kilkenny 0-12|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=12 September 1999|access-date=20 June 2014}}</ref>

====Early successes====
In 2000 Kavanagh won a third successive Leinster medal following another comfortable 2–21 to 1–13 victory over Offaly.  As a result of the so-called "back-door" system both sides later faced off against each other again in the All-Ireland final on 10 September 2000.  [[D.J. Carey]] capitalised on an Offaly mistake after just six minutes to start a goal-fest for 'the Cats'.  Carey scored 2–4 in all, sharing his second goal with Henry Shefflin who also scored a goal in the second-half.  At the full-time whistle Kilkenny were the champions by 5–15 to 1–14 and Kavanagh collected his first [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/goal-hungry-kilkenny-play-cat-and-mouse-with-offaly-26108846.html|title=Goal hungry Kilkenny play Cat and mouse with Offaly|publisher=Irish Independent|date=11 September 2000|access-date=30 October 2013|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}</ref>

Kilkenny's provincial dominance continued in 2001 and a powerful 2-19 to 0-12 defeat of [[Wexford GAA|Wexford]] gave Kavanagh a fourth Leinster medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/kilkenny-devour-wexford-in-game-of-cat-and-mouse-26079622.html|title=Kilkenny devour Wexford in game of cat and mouse|publisher=Irish Independent|date=9 July 2001|access-date=6 December 2014|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}</ref>

Kilkenny bounced back in 2002. Kavanagh won his first National League medal, as a late [[Brian Dowling (hurler)|Brian Dowling]] free secured a narrow 2-15 to 2-14 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/1969594.stm|title=Kilkenny edge out Cork|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2002|access-date=6 December 2014}}</ref> He later collected a fifth Leinster medal as Kilkenny recorded a narrow 0-19 to 0-17 defeat of fourteen-man Wexford.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/other/kilkenny-0-19-wexford-0-17-match-report-58789.html|title=Kilkenny 0-19 Wexford 0-17 - match report|publisher=Breaking News|date=7 July 2002|access-date=6 December 2014}}</ref> On 8 September 2002 Kavanagh lined out in his fourth All-Ireland decider as Kilkenny faced first-round losers [[Clare GAA|Clare]]. Kilkenny forwards [[Henry Shefflin]] and [[D. J. Carey]] combined to score 2-13 between them, as Kilkenny secured a 2-20 to 0-19 victory. It was a second All-Ireland medal for Kavanagh while he was later honoured with his first [[GAA All Stars Awards|All-Star]] award.

In 2003 Kavanagh won a second league medal as Kilkenny came back from eight points down to secure a stunning 5-14 to 5-13 extra-time defeat of [[Tipperary GAA|Tipperary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/stunning-kilkenny-snatch-and-grab-raid-25945806.html|title=Stunning Kilkenny snatch and grab raid|date=6 May 2003|publisher=Irish Independent|access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> He later won a sixth successive Leinster medal, as Kilkenny defeated Wexford by 2-23 to 2-12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2003/0706/173841-kilkenny/|title=Rampant Kilkenny retain Leinster crown|date=6 July 2003|publisher=RTÉ Sport|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref> The subsequent All-Ireland final on 14 September 2003 saw Kilkenny face Cork for the first time in four years. Both teams remained level for much of the game, exchanging tit-for-tat scores. A [[Setanta Ó hAilpín]] goal gave Cork the advantage, however, a [[Martin Comerford]] goal five minutes from the end settled the game as Kilkenny went on to win by 1-14 to 1-11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2003/0915/world/kilkenny-stand-firm-under-cork-onslaught-707695375.html|title=Kilkenny stand firm under Cork onslaught |date=15 September 2003|publisher=Irish Examiner|access-date=1 August 2014|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> It was Kavanagh's third All-Ireland medal. He was later honoured with his second All-Star award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2003/1126/177048-allstars/|title=Kilkenny dominate All Star hurling selection|date=26 November 2003|publisher=RTÉ Sport|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref>

After facing a shock, last-minute 2-15 to 1-16 defeat by Wexford in the Leinster semi-final in 2004, Kilkenny worked their way through the qualifiers and lined out against Cork in the All-Ireland decider on 12 September 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2004/0614/ireland/jacob-takes-the-biscuit-426990171.html|title=Jacob takes the biscuit |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=14 June 2004|access-date=14 March 2009|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> The game was expected to be a classic, however, a rain-soaked day made conditions difficult as Kilkenny aimed to secure a third successive championship. The first half was a low-scoring affair and provided little excitement for fans, however, the second half saw Cork completely take over. For the last twenty-three minutes Cork scored nine unanswered points and went on to win the game by 0-17 to 0-9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2004/0913/ireland/cork-savour-sweet-victory-510326420.html|title=Cork savour sweet victory|date=13 September 2004|publisher=Irish Examiner|access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref>

Kilkenny were back in form in 2005, with Kavanagh winning a third National League medal following a 3–20 to 0–15 victory over Clare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2005/0503/ireland/reigning-cats-fire-warning-484511660.html|title=Reigning Cats fire warning |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=3 February 2005|access-date=14 March 2009|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> "The Cats" later struggled against a wasteful Wexford side, however, a 0-22 to 1-16 victory gave Kavanagh a seventh Leinster medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2005/0704/ireland/kilkenny-hold-nerve-and-stumble-over-the-line-869310824.html|title=Kilkenny hold nerve and stumble over the line |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 July 2005|access-date=14 March 2009|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> While a third successive All-Ireland showdown with Cork seemed likely, Galway defeated Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final in one of the games of the decade.

====Four-in-a-row====
In 2006 Kavanagh captured a fourth National League title following a 3–11 to 0–14 victory over [[Limerick GAA|Limerick]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/0430/kilkenny.html|title=Kilkenny claim league title in Thurles|publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=30 April 2006|access-date=9 March 2009}}</ref>  After missing the Leinster final triumph, Kavanagh was back on the starting fifteen for the All-Ireland final. The game that everyone had predicted would happen in 2005 was now taking place as Cork squared up to Kilkenny for the third time in four years. The Leesiders were aiming for a third All-Ireland victory in-a-row; however, revenge was foremost in the minds of Kilkenny as it was Cork who denied their three-in-a-row bid in 2004. On the day Kilkenny were far too strong for Cork as 'the Cats' secured a 1–16 to 1–13 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/5306504.stm|title=Cork 1-13 1-16 Kilkenny|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=3 September 2006|access-date=17 September 2008}}</ref> It was Kavanagh's fourth All-Ireland winners' medal.

Kavanagh collected an eighth Leinster medal in 2007, as Kilkenny asserted their provincial dominance and defeated Wexford by 2-24 to 1-12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2007/0701/219795-kilkenny/|title=Result: Kilkenny 2-24 Wexford 1-12|date=1 July 2007|publisher=RTÉ Sport|access-date=24 November 2014|first=Ger|last=Canning}}</ref> On 2 September 2007 Kilkenny faced defeated Munster finalists and surprise All-Ireland semi-final winners Limerick in the championship decider. Kilkenny got off to a flying start with [[Eddie Brennan]] and Henry Shefflin scoring two goals within the first ten minutes to set the tone. Limerick launched a second-half comeback, however, "the Cats" were too powerful and cruised to a 2-19 to 1-15 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/match-reports/cats-cruise-to-30th-title-41563.html|title=Cats cruise to 30th title|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=3 September 2007|access-date=24 November 2014|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> It was Kavanagh's fifth All-Ireland medal.

Kilkenny secured the Leinster crown again in 2008, with Kavanagh collecting a ninth winners' medal following a 5-21 to 0-17 drubbing of Wexford.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/wexford-out-to-move-on-from-little-blip-68853.html|title=Wexford out to move on from little blip|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2 August 2008|access-date=26 November 2014|first=Donal|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> On 8 September 2008 Kilkenny faced [[Waterford GAA|Waterford]] in the All-Ireland decider for the first time in forty-five years. In a disappointingly one-sided final, Kilkenny produced a near perfect seventy minutes as Waterford endured a nightmare afternoon. A 23-point winning margin, 3-24 from play, only two wides in the entire match and eight scorers in all with [[Eddie Brennan]] and Henry Shefflin leading the way in a 3-30 to 1-13 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2010/0904/ireland/classic-final-2008-kilkenny-3-30-waterford-1-13-129847.html|title=Classic Final: 2008 – Kilkenny 3-30, Waterford 1-13|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 September 2010|access-date=15 May 2013|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> It was Kavanagh's sixth All-Ireland medal.

Kavanagh collected a fifth National League medal in 2009, as Kilkenny beat Tipperary by 2-26 to 4-17 with a thrilling extra-time victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/hogan-goes-extra-yard-of-plucky-tipperary-26533407.html|title=Hogan goes extra yard of plucky Tipperary|publisher=Irish Independent|date=4 May 2009|access-date=26 November 2014}}</ref> He later won a fifth successive Leinster medal, his tenth overall, as new challengers [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]] were bested by 2-18 to 0-18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2009/0706/sport/cats-hold-off-dublins-final-charge-95722.html|title=Cats hold off Dublin's final charge|work=Irish Examiner|date=6 July 2009|access-date=10 November 2009|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> On 6 September Kilkenny were poised to become the second team ever in the history of hurling to win four successive All-Ireland championships when they faced Tipperary in the decider. For long periods Tipp looked the likely winners, however, late goals from Henry Shefflin and substitute [[Martin Comerford]] finally killed off their efforts to secure a 2-22 to 0-23 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2009/0907/sport/where-theres-an-iron-will-theres-a-way-100342.html|title=Where there's an iron will, there's a way|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=7 September 2009|access-date=14 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> Kavanagh had collected his seventh All-Ireland medal. Owing to the introduction of a rule making the wearing of helmets mandatory from January 2010 onwards, Kavanagh became the last outfield player in history not to wear a helmet in an All-Ireland final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It's hard to believe now but the use of head and facial protection was once frowned upon |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/its-hard-to-believe-now-but-the-use-of-head-and-facial-protection-was-once-frowned-upon-36830829.html |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=independent |language=en}}</ref>

====Twilight success====
In 2010 Kavanagh was dropped from the Kilkenny starting fifteen, however, he remained on the extended panel. Kilkenny faced a number of injury worries going into an historic All-Ireland final, and ultimately failed in their 'drive for five' as Tipperary won by 4–17 to 1-18. Following this defeat it was incorrectly reported that Kavanagh had retired from inter-county hurling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/kfmhaueycwid/rss2/|title=Cats pair Kavanagh and Ryall dismiss retirement talk|publisher=Irish Examine]|date=10 September 2010|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>

Kavanagh remained on the Kilkenny panel for the 2011 championship.  That year Kilkenny qualified for a record sixth consecutive All-Ireland final. For the third year in succession the team faced Tipperary, however, on this occasion Kilkenny were slight [[underdog (term)|underdogs]] going up against the new champions. Kilkenny started quickly and never surrendered the lead in the 2–17 to 1–16 victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0904/kilkenny_tipperary_report.html |title=Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 1-16 |publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]] |access-date=4 September 2011 |date=4 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924061243/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0904/kilkenny_tipperary_report.html |archive-date=24 September 2011 }}</ref>  Kavanagh played no part in the game, however, he collected his eighth All-Ireland medal as a non-playing substitute.

===Inter-provincial===
In 1998 Kavanagh was a non-playing substitute on the Leinster team that narrowly defeated [[Connacht GAA|Connacht]] by 0-16 to 2-9 in the final of the [[Railway Cup]].

Four years later Kavanagh made it onto the starting fifteen as Leinster faced their age-old rivals [[Munster GAA|Munster]] in the championship decider. A last-minute free by Henry Shefflin secured a 4-15 to 3-17 victory and a first Railway Cup medal on the field of play for Kavanagh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/eagleeye-shefflin-strikes-gold-for-leinster-26025998.html|title=Eagle-eye Shefflin strikes gold for Leinster|publisher=Irish Independent|date=4 November 2002|access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref>

Kavanagh was captain of the team in 2003 as Leinster faced Connacht in the final. A 4-9 to 2-12 victory gave him a second successive Railway Cup medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/leinster-serve-up-a-tasty-italian-dish-26236862.html|title=Leinster serve up a tasty Italian dish|publisher=Irish Independent|date=9 November 2003|access-date=26 May 2013|first=John|last=McIntyre}}</ref>

==Management career==
===Wicklow===
On 27 January 2015, it was announced that Kavanagh had joined the [[Wicklow senior hurling team]] management as trainer.

==Personal life==
Born in [[Freshford, Ireland|Freshford]], [[County Kilkenny]], Kavanagh was educated at the local national school before later completing his [[Leaving Certificate]] at St Kieran's college. He subsequently completed a degree at the [[Waterford Institute of Technology]], before later becoming a financial adviser.

==Honours==
===Player===
;St Kieran's College
*[[Dr Croke Cup|All-Ireland Colleges Senior Hurling Championship]] (1): 1996
*[[Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling Championship]] (1): 1996

;Waterford Institute of Technology
*[[Fitzgibbon Cup]] (2): 1999, 2000

;St Lachtain's
*[[All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship]] (1): 2010
*[[Leinster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship]] (1): 2009
*[[Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship|Kilkenny Intermediate Club Hurling Championship]] (1): 2009

;Kilkenny
*[[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship]] (8): [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2000|2000]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2002|2002]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2003|2003]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2006|2006]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2007|2007]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2008|2008]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2009|2009]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011|2011]] (sub)
*[[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship]] (13): [[1998 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|1998]], [[1999 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|1999]], [[2000 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2000]], [[2001 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2001]], [[2002 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2002]], [[2003 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2003]], [[2005 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2005]], [[2006 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2006]] (sub), [[2007 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2007]], [[2008 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2008]], [[2009 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2009]], [[2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2010]] (sub), [[2011 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2011]] (sub)
*[[National Hurling League]] (5): [[National Hurling League 2002|2002]], [[National Hurling League 2003|2003]], [[National Hurling League 2005|2005]], [[National Hurling League 2006|2006]], [[National Hurling League 2009|2009]]
*[[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship]] (1): [[1999 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|1999]]
*[[Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship]] (2): [[1998 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship#Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship|1998]], [[1999 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship#Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship|1999]]
*[[Leinster Minor Hurling Championship]] (3): [[1995 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship#Leinster Minor Hurling Championship|1995]], [[1996 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship#Leinster Minor Hurling Championship|1996]], [[1997 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship#Leinster Minor Hurling Championship|1997]]

;Leinster
*[[Railway Cup]] (3): 1998 (sub), 2002, 2003 (c)

===Individual===
;Awards
*Leinster Hurling Team of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Right corner-back
*The 125 greatest stars of the GAA: No. 89
*[[List of All Stars Awards winners (hurling)|All-Stars]] (4): 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Michael Kavanagh navigation boxes
|list1=
{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{succession box
| before=[[Andy Comerford]]<br>([[Leinster GAA|Leinster]])
| title=[[Railway Cup|Railway Cup Hurling Final]]<br>winning [[Captain (Gaelic games)|captain]]
| years=2003
| after=[[Ollie Fahy]]<br>([[Connacht GAA|Connacht]])
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Kilkenny Minor Hurling Team 1995}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 1998}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 1999}}
{{2000 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2002 NHL Team}}
{{2002 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2003 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 2004}}
{{2006 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2007 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2008 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2009 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 2010}}
{{2011 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Leinster Hurling Team 1998}}
{{Leinster Hurling Team 2002}}
{{Leinster Hurling Team 2003}}
{{Offaly Hurling Team 2021}}
{{2002 Hurling All Stars}}
{{2003 Hurling All Stars}}
{{2007 Hurling All Stars}}
{{2008 Hurling All Stars}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kavanagh, Michael}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winners]]
[[Category:All Stars Awards winners (hurling)]]
[[Category:Alumni of Waterford Institute of Technology]]
[[Category:Financial advisors]]
[[Category:Kilkenny inter-county hurlers]]
[[Category:Kilkenny inter-county Gaelic footballers]]
[[Category:Leinster inter-provincial hurlers]]
[[Category:St Lachtain's hurlers]]
[[Category:Waterford IT hurlers]]
[[Category:Wicklow county hurling team]]