Kruger Kavanagh. From Kerry to Hollywood and back.
Muiris ‘Kruger’ Kavanagh was born in Dun Chaoin, Co Kerry, in 1894. He showed off his spirited individuality at primary school and got his nickname for his support for Paulus Kruger and the Boers in the Boer war.
He emigrated to America when he was 19 and after getting a basic education he worked at various jobs from bodyguard and nurse to PR man for a New York City theatre. He bacame familiar with many top actors and producers.
But at the age of 26 he left it all behind to return to Dun Chaoin. He opened a guesthouse and pub which was to become one of the most famous in Ireland. Set on the remote Atlantic coast of the south west of Ireland, it became the haunt of many celebrities, attracted by Kruger’s own relaxed and colourful personality. Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles were regulars there while filming Ryan´s Daughter. Writer Brendan Behan was also a friend. Kruger’s pub is still in business and a popular traditional music venue.
Kruger Kavanagh died in 1971.