Higgins, James
January 01, 2001
Leaving Cert student James Higgins should have been preparing to go to a debs ball but instead a shattered community attended his funeral mass following a tragic road traffic accident.
A native of Desmond Place in Kilmallock, 17 year old James died when the car he travelling in collide with another beside at Ballinvana Bridge, between Kilmallock and Elton at 2.20 on Sunday afternoon.
There was two people in the car in which James was travelling and four others three men and a woman in the second car. All are believed to be in their 20s and most are from Kilmallock area.
Four ambulances were called to the accident scene and the road was blocked off for an hour and a half as fire service personnel freed occupants from the cars. James who was the youngest son of Marian and Sean and also had a sister Jean, had began studies for Leaving Cert in Limerick Tutorial Centre. The family is well known in Kilmallock where James grandfather, Jim Moloney worked as a clerk for Power Solicitors for many years and is a former correspondent for the Limerick Leader.
Family friend Frances Hayes said of James: "He was just lovely, he was the dottiest and full of life with the friendliest of smiles." James, who had a passion for soccer and was a keen Liverpool supporter, also wore the Kilmallock jersey with pride on many occasions.
Liam Heffernan, who was his team manager since he began playing at under 12 level, said the team were due to play Cappamore on Monday but the game was postponed. "He was a lovely lad and got on well with all the other lads in the club. He played with us at midfield and on the left side since under 12s." Mr Heffernan said.
Therese Walshe chair woman of Kilmallock Camogie Club, said James came from one of the nicest families in Kilmallock and that the whole town was in deep shock. "He was a loveable child and a handsome young fellow and come from a very talented family. His brother John is a beautiful singer and his uncles are very talented musician," said Ms Walshe.
"His cousins play with the camogie club and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy. We are heartbroken, that such a tragedy could happen to such a lovely family."
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader
November 2002
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