Ballycushion, Kilmaine
THE recent death of Kathleen Higgins, Ballycushion, Kilmaine, evoked widespread sadness and regret throughout south Mayo. Formerly Corley from Ballygowan, Claremorris, Kathleen (63) was wife of well known Garrymore GAA clubman, Peadar Higgins, and a member of a prominent and very respected family in the district.
Blessed with a pleasant and outgoing nature, Kathleen was a true friend to many and a lady who had an easy rapport with people. In recent years, she worked at Marian House in Ballindine which is run by the West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation and was a firm favourite with the staff and residents. Peadar and Kathleen spent over two years in Toronto after getting married in Mayo. On their return from Canada, she quickly settled into life in the Ballycushion area where Peadar immediately renewed his strong links with the Garrymore GAA Club.
The Higgins family have been synonymous with the club down through the years and Peadar served a term as chairman. Kathleen took an interest in the activities of the club and was always there to lend help and support. A great believer in the meitheal spirit, she was always enthusiastic about assisting community ventures.
A regular card player, Kathleen attended many of the 25 games in Brickens, Kilconly and other places and loved meeting people and the social side of such gatherings.
When it came to baking, Kathleen was up there with the best of them. Among her specialities was the Christmas cake and each December saw her bake several cakes for her good friends throughout the district. She was also noted for making wedding cakes for couples from the area on their special day.
Kathleen had a great liking for country music and Irish music and was an ardent listener to Mid West Radio over the past two decades. Matters relating to her home county and province resonated strongly with her and she enjoyed the informal nature of many of the shows on local radio.
Kathleen was devoted to her family and was always there for them down through the years. They will miss her steady and guiding presence which was so much a part of their lives.
She fought her final illness with much courage and characteristic bravery, maintaining a serene and tranquil nature to the end.
A wake was held in the family home and removal took place from Craddock’s Funeral Home to St Joseph’s Church, Shrule on Good Friday evening. Following Liturgy on Holy Saturday, interment took place in Kilmaine Cemetery. Fr Michael Crosby and Fr Martin O’Connor presided at the ceremonies.
Huge crowds were present on both days and they included many members of the GAA as well as several public representatives.
Kathleen is deeply regretted by her husband Peadar and family, Joanne, Ivan, David and Alan, brothers Jimmy (Ballygowan) and Tom (Brickens), sisters May Rattigan (Ballindine) and Bridie Horan (Brickens), in-laws, relatives, neighbours and many friends. - MC.
