'Seamus will be deeply missed' - Tributes paid after passing of popular Magherafelt businessman

Mr Higgins from Mullaghboy Hill, Magherafelt, passed away suddenly on Tuesday morning.

A death notice states he was the 'beloved husband of Kate and loving father of Jayne (Shane), John (Lauren) and Mark (Ruth), son of the late John J Higgins and Mary and dear brother of Maura (Forbes), Eileen (Conroy) and Roisin (Nugent).'

He was a director in long established John J Higgins Joinery company in the town and was also well known in sports circles.

In a social media post Rainey Rugby Club said: "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, lifelong supporter, member and trustee of Rainey RFC, Seamus Higgins, who died suddenly this morning.

"Seamus was at the very heart of our club. Whether cheering from the touchline, lending a hand behind the scenes, or guiding us as a trustee, his passion for Rainey RFC never wavered. He gave so much of himself to the club, and his warmth, humour, and friendship touched everyone who knew him.

"Seamus was a driving force behind our new clubhouse redevelopment and his name and legacy will always be remembered at Hatrick Park. Above all, Seamus was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife Kate, his daughter, Jayne, sons Mark and John, and his treasured grandchildren Sebastian and Margaux, who were his pride and joy.

“Seamus will be deeply missed, but his spirit will always be part of Rainey. We are grateful for the memories, the laughter, and the countless ways he helped shape our club.”

O'Donovan Rossa GAC in Magherafelt also extended sympathy to the Higgins family on the untimely passing of Seamus.

A social media post stated: “Seamus was a proud Rossa who played on the senior championship winning team of 1978 and was a very well known and highly respected member of our community. Our thoughts go out to his wife Kate, his children Jayne, John and Mark and his extended family. Mary, Queen of the Gael pray for him.”

Magherafelt Sky Blues also extended sympathy to the family.

The club said: “Seamus was a gentleman, great friend, supporter and former player in the early days of Magherafelt Sky Blues FC. Our thoughts and prayers go out at this sad time to his wife Kate, children Jayne, John and Mark and extended family. May your gentle soul Rest in Peace Séamus.”

A large number of people have been paying tribute to Mr Higgins on social media.

One person said: “Deepest sympathies to Kate, Jayne, John, Mark and the entire family circle. Seamus was an absolute gentleman and will be sadly missed by all the friends he made so easily throughout all his life. May he rest in peace.”

Another said: “Devastated to hear this heartbreaking news. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and will he sorely missed by his family, and all who knew him. Sending thoughts and prayers to Jayne, Kate, John, Mark and all the wider family circle. RIP Seamus.”

His funeral will leave his home on Friday for Requiem Mass at 11.00am in Church of our Lady of the Assumption, Magherafelt. Interment afterwards in cemetery at Church of St John Milltown.