Diaspora accolade for Emmy-winning composer with Mayo links

John Kavanaugh, Los Angeles, California, is to be presented with the Diaspora Award at the Mayo People of the Year gala banquet at Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, tomorrow (Friday) night,

In 1852, John Kavanaugh left Ballinrobe for ‘the home of the brave and the land of the free’.

Nearly two centuries later, his great-great-grandson - also named John Kavanaugh - has built an extraordinary legacy and continues to honour those Mayo roots while inspiring audiences across the world.

John is a nine-time Emmy-nominated and Emmy-winning composer, lyricist and musical director for Disney, celebrated for his work on beloved shows such as ‘Sofia the First’, ‘Elena of Avalor’, ‘Alice’s Wonderland Bakery’, The movie ‘Descendants’ and most recently ‘Vampiric Teenage Vampire’.

His music has touched millions of lives, teaching generations of children about courage, kindness, and the power of imagination.

Despite a stellar international career, John has never forgotten where he comes from.

He proudly flies the Mayo flag from his home in LA, which he calls Mayo.

The event is organised by RehabCare, The Connaught Telegraph and Mayo County Council.