Willie Higgins
Aillebaun, Leenane
Willie Higgins, Aillebaun, Leenane. The passing at Mayo General Hospital on April 27 of Willie Higgins, from a popular and well-known family, evoked much sadness among his family and the local community.
Willie spent his short adult life working his sheep farm at Aillebaun and it was through this activity that he met his many friends and acquaintances. This was borne out by the large number of people who passed through Navin’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29, during his repose there.
Willie was also regarded as a very skilled stone mason and this can be seen in the sturdy walls that surround the fields on his farm in Aillebaun. It is the belief of the stone mason that ‘a man’s wall is his monument’.
He was also an avid reader and had a great talent for remembering facts and figures, and it was this ability that led him to be a very entertaining and interesting conversationalist.
Most of all, Willie was a passionate and loyal supporter of Mayo Gaelic football and was described by the current Mayo football manager, John O’Mahony, as “a loyal and inspirational supporter to both players and team”. Some of his happiest times were spent on the road, in his own words, “in the quest for Sam”, which unfortunately he never saw realised.
Fr Jackie Conroy officiated at the reception and Requiem Mass in Cushlough, which was a fitting tribute to the life of Willie. Readings were by family members and the offertory included personal items that belonged to Willie.
The homily was shared by Fr Conroy and Willie’s brother, Noel, who had some poignant and humorous reflections on Willie’s life interests.
Willie was pre-deceased by his father, Malachy, and is survived by his mother Julia, brothers Thomas, Tony and Noel; sisters Mary, Ellen, Martina and Bernie; nephews John Joe, Patrick, Austin, Johnny and Christopher; nieces Louise, Laura, Kate and Emily, grandniece Hannah Mai; sisters-in-law Kay and Glenda, and brothers-in-law Michael and Seamus.