Leigh Kavanagh

Leigh Robert Kavanagh (born 27 December 2003) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Galway United, on loan from Bohemians. He has represented the Republic of Ireland U17 side in 2019.

Career Bray Wanderers Kavanagh came through the academy at Bray Wanderers having previously played for their schoolboy feeder club St Joseph's Boys. He featured for Bray in the League of Ireland First Division, prior to joining Brighton in July 2020.

Brighton During the 2020–21 season, Kavanagh suffered a tear on his miniscus while training for the Brighton youth team, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He signed his first professional contract with Brighton in July 2021. The following season, he joined Derby County on a season-long loan. In July 2023, he signed a new one-year contract with Brighton, with the option a further season. In December 2023, he began to be included with the Brighton first-team squad, and was named as a match-day substitute in matches in the Premier League and the Europa League.

Bohemians He signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Bohemians in July 2024.

Galway United loan On 1 July 2026, Kavanagh was loaned out to fellow League of Ireland Premier Division club Galway United until the end of the season.

International career He has been called up for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.