The late Tom Higgins Tom Higgins, Park Road, Kiltimagh, who died following a long illness, was a legendary figure in the community life of his beloved hometown. For many years, he was synonymous with the town of Kiltimagh and always took a special delight in promoting it at every opportunity. Colourful and witty, Tom was never afraid to take a stand on an issue. Like many of his generation, Tom spent several years in America. During this time, her served overseas with the US army and was based in Germany for some time. He often told the story with much relish how he served in the same battalion as the legendary Elvis Presley. He was proud of his service in the American uniform and of a country that held a special place in his heart all his life. He was passionate about music and singing and played leading roles in a number of productions by the Kiltimagh Musical Society. Almost everyone in the parish was familiar with his beautiful singing voice and he was a regular member of the Parish Choir until a few years ago. As a person, Tom had a vibrant energetic personality. His love for his wife, Helen, his children, Tomas, Finola and Niamh, and his grandchildren, Aoife, Eilis and Peter was boundless. As was his loyalty and devotion to his brothers and sisters and to their families, to his in-laws and to his many friends. Kiltimagh and its people were very dear to Tom. It is said of Tom that he visited and was made welcome in almost every house in the parish. Even after his first major stroke, he continued to visit the people he loved and was treated with kindness and care wherever he went. He was a gifted communicator and could make himself at home in any company. He loved the chat and banter and was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. When Tom called in for a visit one could always be assured of some hearty laughs. As secretary, and later chairman of the Kiltimagh Community Council, Tom was actively involved in many projects which still benefit the community today. Among them were the provision of a Community Centre, the building of an advance factory (which now houses CMS. Peripherals, the setting up of the O Hara home, the establishment of a Group Water Scheme and the organisation of the St Patrick's Day Parade as we know it today. As a member of Mayo Vocational Educational Committee (VEC), Tom worked for the provision of a Community School of Kiltimagh. During those years, he made local and national headlines on a regular basis as he was gifted with the 'throw-away' lines so beloved of the media. When Tom got enthusiastic about a venture, he gave himself wholeheartedly to it. His enthusiasm was infectious and he brought others on board. It was during his time on Mayo VEC that Tom, together with Joe Mulhern, Fr Leo Morahan and Fr Benny McHale, was involved in a nation-wide campaign to highlight the problem of under-age drinking, putting forward the Identity Card Scheme as a way of helping to solve the problem. Tom had an abiding interest in politics and was a Fine Gael candidate in the Council elections of 1991, narrowly missing out on the last seat to his party colleague, Michael Rafferty from Shrule. Tom mounted a very impressive campaign and polled exceptionally well, only to be pipped at the post. Matters relating to the GAA were also close to his heart, he was an enthusiastic supporter of his home club and Mayo, he served as secretary and team manager for a number of years with Kiltimagh and during the development of Gilmartin Park used his knowledge of the political scene in Mayo to source county council funding. Throughout his long illness, Helen and family were with him every step of the way until he died peacefully at the Ave Maria Nursing Home in Tooreen where he was lovingly cared for by Tommy and Ann Feeney and their staff for the past two years. He will be fondly remembered by his family and the wider Kiltimagh community to whom he rendered such generous service and never counted the cost. Large crowds attended the funeral ceremonies on both days as many friends came to pay their respects. It was a fitting and deserved tribute to a legendary character. A Guard of Honour was formed by members of the Cill Aodain Choral Society and the local GAA Club and his coffin was draped in the blue and white of Kiltimnagh. Fr Paddy Kilcoyne, P.P. was the chief celebrant at the Funeral Mass and he was joined by Fr John Durkan, Kiltimagh; Fr Paddy Sheridan, Tooreen; Fr Eamon Concannon, Newport; Fr Pat Halloran, Collaney; Fr Ronnie Boyle, Robeen and Fr Jospeh Caulfield, Carracastle. The parish choir, augmented by members of the Choral Society, under the direction of George Lee, gave a beautiful rendition of hymns. Soloists were John Kitching who sang the Psalm, Louis Heneghan sang Tom's favourite song Danny Boy and Mary McNicholas sang Our Lady of Knock. His brother in law, Ollie Burke, played traditional slow air on the tin whistle while his son-in-law Declan read the reflection. Among the Offertory gifts brought to the altar by family members and presided over by his nephew, Michael Farrington, were the American flag and the minute book and seal of the Community centre. Fr Kilcoyne paid a lovely tribute to Tom in his thoughtful and kind homily. Internment took place in Kilkinure Cemetery beside the town he loved so well. He is deeply mourned by his wife Helen, son Tomas, daughters Finola and Niamh, grandchildren Aoife, Eilish and Peter, brothers Micheal and Matt (Kiltimagh), Jim (New York), John (Charlestown), sister Mary Moran (Kilmeena), sons-in-law Declan Cosgrove and Michael McHugh, extended family and many, many friends. Courtesy of The Mayo People 16 May 2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories