Gardai at the scene of the fatal collision in St Johnston. (North West Newspix)
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25 Feb 2026
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25 Feb 2026
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Karen Higgins (née McGowan) of Church View, Barnastang, Glenisland, Mayo, RIP
Tributes have been pouring in on RIP.ie following the death of young mother Karen Higgins (née McGowan) of Glenisland, Castlebar.
Karen passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, at Mayo Roscommon Hospice, surrounded by her devoted family.
She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Eamon; her cherished children, Chloe, Tamsyn, Darragh, Emily and Aoife; her sister Ciara; brothers-in-law Damian and John; sister-in-law Carmel and Connie; and her parents-in-law, Jack and Eileen.
She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Mary McGowan.
In a message shared on RIP.ie, her former colleague at CMS Distribution, Louise Cunnane, offered her condolences: “I worked with her in CMS Distribution years ago, and she was the kindest, nicest lady you could meet. My deepest sympathies to Eamon and her much-adored children.”
Many friends and members of the wider community paid tribute. Sharon Preston Van Slingerland wrote: “Forever our ‘Sweet Karen’. Always a smile, a kind word, a compliment, a sweet text, never a complaint. We are heartbroken at your loss. Devastated for your beautiful family and for everyone who loved you. Rest in peace, sweet girl. You will be missed beyond measure.”
READ NEXT: Tributes paid to ‘a true gentle giant’ in north Mayo
The team at Timepiece also shared a heartfelt tribute online, describing Karen as a “fantastic lady - always smiling and full of life.”
“She was a true inspiration to everyone, so brave and so wise. A devoted wife and a wonderful mother, she brought warmth and kindness to all who knew her. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. Now reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, may her kind and gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.”
Karen will repose at her home in Glenisland tomorrow evening (Thursday, February 26) from 5pm to 7pm.
Removal from her residence will take place on Friday morning for requiem mass at 11 am in the church of the Holy Rosary, Glenisland, followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium.
May she rest in peace.
READ MORE: RIP: Mayo community 'pillar of strength' remembered upon passing
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