'Few leaders combine intellect, empathy, and moral courage as he does'

Cootehill’s Ruairí McKiernan pays tribute to President Michael D. Higgins as his term concludes.

As Ireland reflects on the end of an era following Former President Michael D. Higgins’s departure from office, Cootehill native Ruairí McKiernan has shared a heartfelt reflection on the legacy of Ireland’s ninth President.

He describes him as “a leader who showed what leadership with heart, courage, and imagination can look like.”

Mr McKiernan, a well-known charity founder, author, and campaigner, served as one of President Higgins’s first appointees to the Council of State following his election in 2011. At the time, he was the youngest member of the President's advisory body.

“It was an extraordinary honour,” he says. “I was at a crossroads in my own journey after founding the Spunout youth organisation. It became a life-changing and formative experience, and one I’m very grateful for.”

Mr McKiernan’s connection with Michael D. began long before his time at the Áras.

“I first met him on a train to Galway,” he recalls. “I nervously approached him to ask for support for a suicide prevention campaign. Even though he was clearly busy working through papers, he paused, listened, asked questions, and offered words of encouragement. That warmth, curiosity, and genuine care have stayed with me ever since.”

As a member of the Council of State, Mr McKiernan participated in Presidential initiatives, state ceremonies, and national commemorations, including events marking the 1916 centenary.

“It was a privilege to see the sense of dignity and care he brought to every engagement,” he says. “He gave time to everyone and treated each occasion with great respect.”

Both President Higgins and Sabina Higgins also left a lasting personal impression on McKiernan and his wife, Susan Quirke, a musician and meditation teacher.

“When Susan and I got married, they surprised us with a wedding cake from Áras an Uachtaráin. It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture – one of many that I witnessed, not just for myself but for so many people, many of whom were unsung heroes in our communities. I really appreciate it when people go above and beyond to do a good deed or to support others, especially in quiet ways.

"It’s incredible to consider that they offered a warm welcome to no fewer than 200,000 people during their time at the Áras, many of whom were at the forefront of supporting good work in communities north and south.”

“Michael D. and Sabina have spent their lives championing causes and communities too often excluded or pushed to the margins – the homeless, Travellers, refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ people, artists, and activists working for peace, justice, and the environment. They urged us to work for justice and to imagine a kinder, more caring world. Michael D.’s steadfast advocacy for the people of Palestine, in particular, was vital in challenging genocide, complicity, and our shared responsibility to act.”

A global voice for humanity

Earlier this year, in his role as CEO of the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA), McKiernan joined colleagues in presenting the Global Voice for Humanity Award to President Higgins, recognising his leadership in global citizenship education and in promoting justice, equality, and peace.

“He spoke about root causes and challenged systems of inequality at home and abroad, helping us to see how deeply interconnected and interdependent our world is,” says McKiernan. “Few leaders anywhere combine intellect, empathy, and moral courage as he does. I was particularly struck by how he celebrated our sense of Irishness, our culture, heritage, language, and traditions, while maintaining a global outlook, championing an inclusive Ireland where minorities and migrants are welcomed and valued.”

At the end of the summer just past, during a farewell celebration at the Áras, there was a lighter moment.

“Sabina, also 84, reminded me how it’s done on the dance floor,” he laughs. “Their energy and joy are infectious – a real joy to behold.”

Passing the torch

More recently, Mr McKiernan played a role in the election of President Catherine Connolly, having been invited to preside over her official campaign launch in Dublin. He also attended her inauguration celebration on Tuesday and says he’s heartened that she will carry forward the values of "love, kindness, and decency" combining "a global justice outlook with a deep appreciation for Irish culture and identity."

“I’m certain President Connolly will carry the torch forward with grace, dignity, and determination,” he says.