16/04/2012 -

Cathaoirleach's tribute to late Tommy Higgins

While most people will fondly remember the late Tommy Higgins as long serving Borough Councillor, Freeman of Sligo and Mayor, he also served with distinction as an elected member of Sligo County Council. Tommy was elected to Sligo County Council in 1967 and would serve for 24 years.

While Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Fleming did not serve on the Council with Tommy, they were friends and work colleagues in Snia. ‘Tommy had a leading role in ITGWU, I was a Shop Steward, and I always found him straight, honest and hard-working. He was a passionate advocate for the ordinary working individual and he made sure their rights were respected. He was also a mine of information on a variety of subjects, and he brought his knowledge and experience to bear throughout his life as a public representative.’

‘Tommy was a proud Sligo man, he was involved in numerous projects to enhance the town he loved, and he will be sadly missed by the many people he knew and befriended over the years.’ 

When Michael Flatley visited County Sligo in 2010 Tommy was pictured with him and fellow Freemen of Sligo Borough John MacNabola and Dervish.