Ballyheane, Bishop Higgins and Pat Quigley

by Auld Stock

BALLYHEANE has changed considerably over the years, and all for the better.

A new church, school, soccer pitch and other amenities have all added to the status of Ballyheane, roughly translated as 'the town of the birds'.

Pat Quigley, a native of Ballyheane and a member of one of the oldest families in the area, was president of the Football Association of Ireland some years ago and it is generally accepted his term was one of the most successful in the history of the association.

In the 1930s Ballyheane had one of the outstanding hurling clubs in the country and won several major trophies.

The team trainer was Paddy Rainsford, a native of Newport, Co. Tipperary, who came to Castlebar to work on the building of the Church of the Holy Rosary.

Paddy was grandfather of Danno Rainsford, McHale Road, Castlebar. Danno has lived in London for many years and is prominent in Irish circles in the city.

Most Rev. Dr. Higgins, who served as Auxiliary Bishop of Tuam from 1912 to 1918, was a native of Ballyheane. Born in 1863, he received his early education in Errew Monastery.

After his ordination in February 1888, he ministered in Errismore, Hollymount, Westport and Castlebar.

In 1891 he replaced Most Rev. Dr. Gilmartin, a native of Rinshinna, Castlebar, as professor of mathematics in St. Jarlath’s College and subsequently served in Annaghdown and Dunmore.

In 1902, Dr. Higgins was back in St. Jarlath’s College and in 1903 he was appointed president. In 1905 he was appointed canon theologian of the Metropolitan Chapter. In 1907, with Very Rev. Dr. Donnellan, he acted as secretary of the Provincial Synod.

In 1910, Dr. Higgins was appointed pastor of Cummer, outside Tuam, and in 1912 was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Tuam.

His death took place suddenly on April 22, 1918, a day before he was to be selected as Archbishop of Tuam in succession to Most Rev. Dr. Healy.

At the time of his passing, Dr. Higgins was Titular Bishop of Temno, Auxiliary Bishop of Tuam and P.P. of Castlebar.

Dr. Higgins was one of the signatories of the anti-conscription declaration of the hierarchy and led Castlebar in the protest made by the people of the parish.

Dr. Higgins was a granduncle of Jim Higgins, T.D., Pat Higgins, a member of Mayo County Council, adult education officer with Mayo Vocational Education Committee, and John Higgins, secretary of the Progressive Democrats.

Pat Higgins, a brother of Dr. Higgins, was a county councillor and secretary to James Fitzgerald-Kenney when he was Minister for Justice.