It was always going to be a sad day when, we in MRBC, would hear of the passing of Charlie Higgins and that day was December 29th, 2024. For most of us he was just Charlie, he did not need the Higgins for us to know who we were speaking of. Charlie, both the competitive and social player, winner of the National Bankers Trophy teams, Club Council member, mega supporter of all club events and games and especially the Friday night game both while captain and then during his friend Dermot McCourt’s captaincy.
Billy Ronan remembers when as a raw beginner he would play on a Friday night. Charlie was the captain at that time, playing with his then regular Friday partner Brendan Redmond and Charlie had the knack to make him (Billy) feel welcome but Charlie couldn’t resist saying betimes " Holy God...you're bidding off declock!!!” Billy says ‘His advice was always welcome and appreciated; contracts became very colourful toward the end of the night! “.
Charlie was the life and soul of the club, he opened and closed, he entertained us during social evenings with his jokes and songs, some a bit naughty and with a wry smile. He facilitated players enjoying their final night cap and he kept us on our toes when it came to the rules and regulations of our game. He mentored many of our members who have gone on to achieve good success competitively and we are indebted to him for his commitment to the game of bridge and to the Malahide Regional Bridge Club.
Charlie had been a member of the Portmarnock Bridge Club and was a total supporter of the club until it sadly closed its doors. He was well known on the bridge circuit of national championships and congresses but being a native of Ballysadare, Co Sligo, the Yeats Country Bridge Congress was the one closest to his heart. Fellow county Sligo man and World Tournament Director, Fearghal O’Boyle, said on hearing of his passing “ Charlie was a gentleman and a very friendly opponent at the table”. That comment certainly epitomises Charlie.
Charlie worked in Aer Lingus until his retirement. Sean Whelan who worked with him has this to say “He was well known in all departments for his membership of many sporting clubs, Gaa, Hockey and the ALSAA Bridge club. He was a dedicated bridge player, but he could be a bit of a rogue at times, but mostly a loveable rogue. During his many trips abroad with these Clubs, Charlie’s ability to entertain the hosts and visitors alike, were often the highlight of these trips. Charlie was a great raconteur and singer and brought a smile to many faces”.
The accolades on RIP for Charlie are numerous and describe the man we knew so well. “One of life's gentlemen, sportsman, storyteller, a singer who made us laugh heartily at his famous song parodies and enriched us with his presence and company”.
Football was big in his life, starting in his home town of Ballisodare. He was a corner forward and he loved to tell that he was selected to play for Sligo. His playing on the Aer Lingus Gaelic team took him to Boston, Chicago and many more places. Hockey featured in his life too, bringing him again to many places on Aer Lingus teams. What a life!
Charlie has been missed these last couple of years. We all have our own memories and we can only recount those memories with a smile. For my own part he was a loyal friend, he was on that National Bankers team with me and Elaine Caulfield playing with Danny Doona. He travelled the country with me during my CBAI Presidency, often with Danny too and the late Clare, Charlie’s devoted wife and bridge player, would make breakfast for them both before the long journey wherever and to think he only took up Bridge after Clare started to play. We are glad he did just that!
Sincere sympathy goes to Cathal, Nicola, Gary and Thomas and their families.
For sure there will never be another Charlie!
Rest in Peace Charlie. You will not be forgotten.
Mary Kelly Rogers
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