It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the great C.B. Higgins at the age of 97. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his children Ken, Valerie, Stella, Ann Christine and their families. Chris was Mr. Bridge in Sligo long before most of today’s players ever heard about the game. He introduced a generation of Bridge players to this wonderful game and his obvious passion and love for the game shone through to enthral his awestruck students. As a player Chris’s card play technique was immaculate. In partnership with the other Sligo great – John McGowan also deceased – Chris won everything that was to be won including the IBU Moylan Cup (National Pairs Championship). He was also one of the few Sligo players to ever be selected to play on the Irish International team. The debate about which one of the two was the greatest player ever to have come from Sligo and the North-West still goes on today but the fact is that either would have been honoured to be mentioned in the same breath as the other.
However C.B. Higgins’ greatest contribution to Bridge was as an inspirational teacher, a humble gracious opponent, and most importantly – his incredible unflappable Bridge temperament – an absolute model in best practice in how to be the perfect Bridge partner at the table….”if you’re not going to say something nice – don’t say anything at all”.
Bridge in Sligo owes a tremendous debt to C.B. Higgins and for sure without the support and encouragement of the great CBH there would be no FOB. Thanks for everything Mr. Higgins RIP.
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