Profile: Dr. Thomas F. O’Higgins

Dr. Thomas F. O’Higgins, who chaired the first meeting of Portlaoise GAA, in 1887

Dr. Thomas F. O’Higgins, who chaired the first meeting of Portlaoise GAA, in 1887. He was a popular G.P. in Stradbally for many years. He married Anne O’Sullivan who was daughter of T.D. O’Sullivan who was one time Lord Mayor of Dublin. He was murdered at his home outside Stradbally in 1923. One of their sons, Kevin O’Higgins, played a leading role in setting up the Irish Free State including the establishment of an unarmed police force. He took a hard line during the Civil War and retained more than one enemy. He was assassinated as he walked to Mass on Booterstown Avenue in Dublin in 1927.

More Club History To Explore

Bill Phelan – A Tribute

Bill and I soldiered together through most of our lives. Of the same age we went through the CBS to Leaving Cert in the same classes and had similar interests especially regarding GAA. The games were an important part of school life with Bro. O’Mahoney taking a particularly keen interest in preparing us for competitions.

Read More