He’s been toasted in pubs throughout Kilkenny County, Ireland, for his hurling prowess and called the “Irish Godfather,” “the spiritual father of south Sacramento,” a singer and a saint during his 66 years ministering to needy Sacramentans across faiths and races. Monsignor Edward “Ned” Kavanagh is his name, and serving underdogs is his game.
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Kavanagh leads a 1989 Mass. He is recovering from ailments at a care site.
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Monsignor Edward Kavanagh, pictured in 1989 at St. Rose’s church, has been called “the spiritual father of south Sacramento.”
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Monsignor Edward “Ned” Kavanagh, left, is seen after beating Cork in 1947 in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.
