Bernard enjoyed a great life with his wife Patricia

A GRANDFATHER who celebrated his 71st wedding anniversary with his beloved wife last August, has sadly passed away.

Bernard Kavanagh, from Ballyfermot, passed away on Monday, due to a few underlying health issues he battled in recent years.

The Echo visited Mr Kavanagh and his wife Patricia Kavanagh last August for the couple’s anniversary at their residence in Maryfield Nursing Home, Chapelizod.

Mr Kavanagh was in great form that day, full of chat and love for his wife and family, enjoying a tipple or two of champagne.

The couple raised their four children (Bernard jr, Denise, Derek, Philip) on Blackditch Road, and enjoyed a great life together, bouncing off each other’s wit and commitment.

They first met on the floor of the Donnybrook CYS Club dance in 1950, and it was “love at first sight”, according to Bernard.

He previously worked for a number of companies including Goodall’s on Distillery Road, played football with Grangegorman in the Leinster Senior League and enjoyed many a trip abroad and in Ireland with his wife.

Patricia was the first one of the pair to move into Maryfield last year.

Bernard would visit her and wanting to be closer to his wife, eventually he managed to secure a space at Maryfield, with staff more than happy to facilitate their reunion.

“I have spent my whole life with Patricia and I want to finish it with Patricia,” he said.