Mr Higgins died peacefully last night, surrounded by his family of 10 years, and under the expert care of Eugene McGrath from McGrath Vets in Tralee.
Mr Higgins arrived to Ballyseede Castle on the 11th November 2011, the same day President Michael D Higgins was inaugurated into office and was so called Mr Higgins in his honour.
Since his first day at Ballyseede Castle, he claimed the title as king of Ballyseede Castle. He quickly began building loving relationships with all those who met him, whether it be a wedding couple, guests staying at the castle or any member of our team who was willing to slip him some food.
Telling time was one of Mr Higgins great skills - Mr Higgins loved to eat and anyone who met him felt the need to feed him. His daily diet consisted of bags of nuts and fresh Irish meat (only the best would do for him) but that was never enough for him. He quickly learned new ways of acquiring food by making himself a friend of our guests.
As we were preparing to serve evening food for a wedding, Mr Higgins would arrive in and endear himself to one and all, posing for photos, something that on an ordinary day he shyer away from. However, with food in sight, this was not an issue. In return he was well rewarded by guests with lots of sandwiches and cake.
Talking about standing for pictures, he would give you one minute to get a much-treasured picture taken with him, there were no second chances. But on one fine day, he stood proud of his castle for Tara Donoghue Photography and that photo has become as synonymous as the castle itself. In his spare time, Mr Higgins loved to roam Ballyseedy Woods, play with his friends and run at you, giving big hugs.
Mr Higgins was a dog that legends are made of. He will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his family here at Ballyseede Castle. We loved him with all our hearts, and though the pain we feel without him is great, it in no way would compare to having never had him in our lives.
In keeping with the Blennerhassett Family tradition, Mr Higgins will be wrapped in the castles best blanket and buried tomorrow in the castle family pet cemetery, alongside his father Arthur. The Castle gates will close at 6pm with the flags flying half-mast as we toast Mr Higgins’ 10 wonderful years at Ballyseede Castle with a Gin & Tonic.
Mr Higgins leaves behind a daughter Molly who resides in Ballyseede Castle, fellow dog companions Einstein, Bubbles and Hope, his 3 Donkey and Shetland Pony friends, first cousins, Ri and Liadán in Bellingham Castle, Oscar and Claddagh in Cabra Castle and Róisín in Markree Castle. He is predeceased by his Father Arthur; Mother Sibéal; and Uncle Oscar IV.
Ard dheis de go raibh a anam #RIPMRHIGGINS