Mayo community mourns well-known businessman and 'true gentleman' Tommy following passing

Tributes have been paid following the passing of a well-known Mayo businessman over the weekend.

Tommy Higgins of Claremorris passed away peacefully after a short illness in the wonderful care of the Mayo Hospice.

Mr Higgins was described as a "dedicated entrepreneur" in Claremorris, and alongside his wife Kathleen, he helped establish the Green Stores, the Dalton Inn, and supported numerous other local businesses, according to an online tribute from Kean's Claremorris. 

"His passion for business was unmatched, and much of the spirit of our business can be attributed to him. His true passion was farming and cattle, spending countless hours attending marts and working the land," they added. 

Mr Higgins is predeceased by his son Brian, his wife Kathleen, his infant sons Robert and Patrick, his sisters and brother.

He will be “deeply regretted by his daughters Florence (Devane), Betty (Murphy), Catherine (Langan), Patricia (Kean), Nicola (Lally) and his sons Jerry and Karl, his sister Flor McBride and sister-in-law Anne Walsh, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, his neighbours and his many friends”, according to his death notice on RIP.ie.

Mr Higgins will be reposing at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris this evening Tuesday, December 10 from 6-8pm. His remains will arrive at St Colman’s Church, Claremorris for Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 11 at 2pm followed by burial in Ballinasmalla Cemetry.

Tributes have been paid on RIP.ie with one friend saying: "Sincere sympathy to all the Higgins family on the passing of the ever youthful Tommy. It was always a joy to meet him. May he rest in peace."

Another tribute read: "So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. He made such a positive contribution to the local community over many years and will be fondly remembered. To Florence, Betty, Catherine, Patricia, Nicola, Jerry & Karl, to his sister Flor and to the extended Higgins Family, we offer our deepest sympathy."

A third tribute read: "Deepest sympathy to the Higgins family on the death of your beloved Father, Tommy, a perfect gentleman. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace."