Mr Higgins 2011 - 2021

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 at Ballyseede Castle on 11th November 2011, the same day President Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated into office, and was named Mr Higgins in his honour.

From his first day at Ballyseede Castle, he claimed the title of King of Ballyseede Castle. He quickly began building loving relationships with all those who met him, whether it was 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. He quickly learned new ways of acquiring food by making friends with our guests.

As we were preparing to serve evening food for a wedding, Mr Higgins would arrive and endear himself to one and all, posing for photos—something he usually shied 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.

When posing for pictures, he would give you one minute to capture a much-treasured photograph with him—there were no second chances. However, on one fine day, he stood proudly in front of his Castle for Tara Donoghue Photography, and that photograph has become as synonymous with the Castle as Mr Higgins himself.

In his spare time, Mr Higgins loved to roam Ballyseedy Woods, play with his friends and run towards you to give 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 although the pain we feel without him is great, it could never compare to having never had him in our lives.

In keeping with the Blennerhassett family tradition, Mr Higgins will be wrapped in the Castle’s 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 at half-mast, as we toast Mr Higgins’ 10 wonderful years at Ballyseede Castle with a gin and tonic.

Mr Higgins leaves behind his daughter Molly, who resides at Ballyseede Castle; fellow dog companions Einstein, Bubbles and Hope; his three donkey and Shetland pony friends; and his first cousins Ri and Liadán at Bellingham Castle, Oscar and Claddagh at Cabra Castle, and Róisín at Markree Castle.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur; his mother, Sibéal; and his uncle, Oscar IV.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. #RIPMRHIGGINS