BIRMINGHAM'S Irish community is in mourning following the death of popular 'role model' Paul Higgins.
Mr Higgins, 50, died at the Mater Hospital in Dublin on April 19 following a battle with cancer.
The former Erin go Bragh GAA player is survived by his wife Margaret, four children Amie, Katie, Jack and Ryan, as well as his brothers, sisters, and extended family.
Speaking to The Irish Post, Denis Neenan of Birmingham's Erin Go Bragh GAA club said: "Paul was one of the best players we ever had.
"He played with us for a number of years back in the 90s.
Paul Higgins, right, collecting the Championship cup in 1990. (Picture: Gerry O'Keefe/Erin Go Bragh)"He became a very significant part of our community, and he married Margaret (née Hanlon) who was born locally but had a Kerry family background."
"Paul was a very important person in terms of being a role model to the lads and people involved in the club, as well as a great sportsman.
"We had significant success when Paul was playing with us, we won the Warwickshire Championship and he was a big player in that team."
Although Mr Higgins and his wife moved back to his hometown in Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon to raise their family, they remained a significant part of the Birmingham Irish community and were often back to visit friends.
The 1990 Championship winning team, with Paul Higgins fourth from the left in the front row. (Picture: Gerry O'Keefe/Erin Go Bragh)"Since they left, Paul and Margaret had come to Birmingham a number of times and we had a few gatherings together," Mr Neenan said.
"They knew that eventually Paul would pass on so they came over and we got together.
"They were still very much part of the community and we had a reunion in Ballaghaderreen a few years back and we all got together, including all of that team, and it was fabulous."
The 1991 Championship team reunite with Paul Higgins, back left, in Ballaghdereen. (Picture: Gerry O'Keefe/Erin Go Bragh)"A number of the lads from Erin Go Bragh went to Ballaghaderreen last week, as well as a number of lads from the 1990 championship winning team travelled from Galway and Donegal so there was quite a gathering of people there to pay their respects to Paul," Mr Neenen added.
The local Roscommon GAA team also paid tribute to Mr Higgins on their Facebook page saying: "We would like to extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to the family on the untimely passing of Paul Higgins.
"Paul was a past player and great supporter of our club down through the years.
"He put up a brave and dignified fight over the long course of his illness over many years and will be sadly missed by his family and his large group of neighbours and friends."
Note: This article was amended to reflect that Mr Higgins was from Ballinagare not, as previously stated, Ballaghedereen.
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