Row Man of the Year 1997, Bryan O’Higgins died peacefully at his home in Shankill, Co. Dublin on December 22nd 2022. Bryan was a valuable member of the PPU committee for many years and his wise advice and assistance proved invaluable on many occasions.
Bryan graduated from the ROW in 1957 and was already a legend because of his intellectual, sporting and other achievements. He achieved first place in Ireland in higher Maths in his final year. Full details of Bryan’s many achievements in the academic and sporting arenas are set out on pages 171/2 of Cuimhneachan 1864 – 2014.
On leaving school, Bryan joined an Garda Siochana and went on to reach the high rank of Superintendent which included a stint as head of the Garda Press Office.
After his term at the Press Office, Bryan served in Bosnia as UN Chief of Operations and as Contingent Commander and Department of Foreign Affairs representative on Irish Affairs. This was at the height of the Balkan war and during his time there, the majority of his senior command colleagues were killed.
When Bryan was elected Row Man of the Year in 1997 our Newsletter at the time published the following tribute –
“Congratulations to our old friend Superintendent Bryan O’Higgins, a truly worthy Row Man of the Year 1997. As Garda Press Officer, Bryan was daily in the public glare. His cool and efficient handling of this high pressure job, in the violent and troubled times won him many admirers and plaudits. To those of us who remember Bryan from the ROW this period comes as little surprise”
Bryan will be greatly misssed. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.
Bryan’s funeral Mass was said at St. Anne’s church Shankill on Friday December 30th. 2022. PPU Chaplain, Fr. Eugene McCarthy was among the celebrants on the altar. There was a good turn out of past pupils including President, Dan Ferrari. The photo below was taken from Bryan’s funeral Mass leaflet
Bryan with his wife Marisa who pre deceased him
Bryan in more recent times with his sons and grandchildren
