Arthur Kavanagh, Politician and Progressive Landlord, Is Born in Borris, Co. Carlow

Arthur MacMurrough Kavanagh (25 March 1831 – 25 December 1889) was an Irish politician. His middle name is spelled MacMorrough in some contemporaneous sources.

Arthur MacMurrough Kavanagh was born on 25 March 1831 at Borris House in County Carlow, the son of Thomas Kavanagh MP and artist Lady Harriet Margaret Le Poer Trench, daughter of the second Earl of Clancarty. His father traced his lineage to the medieval Kings of Leinster through Art MacMurrough-Kavanagh. He had two older brothers Charles and Thomas, and one sister, Harriet or “Hoddy.” Arthur Kavanagh was born with only the rudiments of arms and legs, though the cause of this birth defect is unknown.