Passing of a legend as Mick Higgins laid to rest

The death of ex-Garda Sergeant Mick Higgins at his home last Thursday morning was the last link with the Cavan 1947 All-Ireland winning starting team, which defeated Kerry in the Polo Grounds, New York, and the only All-Ireland senior championship final played outside Ireland. Aged 87, Mick was regarded as one of the towering figures of the GAA in Cavan in the 40s, 50s and 60s as a player, team coach and referee. His reputation as a player was greatly respected not only in Cavan but throughout Ulster and the country but particularly in Kerry where the rivalry between the counties in the 30s, 40s and early 50s captured the national headlines. Aside from winning seven Ulster championship medals, three All-Ireland senior and two national league medals; when his playing days came to an end, Mick took up a coaching role with Cavan in 1956. He succeeded the legendary Hughie O'Reilly (Cootehill), winner of two All-Ireland senior medals in 1933 and '35, who coached the Breffni county to three All-Ireland senior titles in 1947, 1948 and 1952 with Mick himself playing in all three finals. Mick's reputation as a coach came to the fore when he guided Cavan to four Ulster titles in the 60s but to his disappointment failed to take the team to an All-Ireland senior title. Mick was a sporting hero and aside from his love of gaelic games his second passion was greyhound racing, a sport in which he also achieved success. Cavan County Board chairman, Tom Reilly, in a tribute to Mick said: "On behalf of Coiste Chontae an Chabhain, chairman, officers, players and clubs, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mick Higgins. "Mick was a wonderful ambassador for Gaelic Games not only in Cavan but indeed throughout the country. He was known and cherished the length and breadth of Ireland. "A quiet man, Mick was always a thorough gentleman. He was arguably Cavan's best-known player during a golden period when Cavan were the kingpins of gaelic football. He was captain of the last Cavan team to lift the All-Ireland senior title in 1952. "He managed Cavan during the early 60s winning four Ulster senior titles and was involved with Longford during its most successful period in the late 60s. He also acted as advisor to Donegal when they won their first Ulster senior title in 1972. Mick is survived by his wife Margaret (Mag), nee O'Connell; son, John; daughters, Jean, Terry and Brenda; and brothers, Jack, Jim, Frank and Donald. The funeral took place on Saturday from Mary Immaculate Church, Virginia to the adjoining cemetery.