Kathy Higgins loves her family, her community, and she loves GAA — just ask her 16 Galway grandchildren she gifted with Armagh jerseys last Christmas.
Kathy (76), who was born and bred in Maghery, married Bernard Higgins from Dunmore 49 years ago.
The couple met in London but returned and built their lives and raised their children in his home town, a Galway football heartland.
Although the orange jerseys Kathy thoughtfully gifted each of them are treasured, granddaughter Fay might be the only Orchard County supporter.
“I was up shopping in the Rushmore Centre in Craigavon before Christmas and we passed a shop with all the Armagh jerseys in the window,” Kathy said.
“I said to my husband I’m going to get the kids a jersey, they are always getting loads of toys.
“So, we wrote all their names and ages down on a piece of paper and asked the man in the shop would he help us and he was very good.
“They all come down to me on Christmas night and when they came, they were wondering where their presents were.
“I got them all to line up and I gave them their jerseys, and they all got dressed up in them that night. It was lovely to see them.
“My daughter Karen’s daughter Fay would very much be an Armagh girl.
“She has worn the jersey to a few Armagh games.
“So, I think I may have converted her.”
Armagh native Kathy Higgins who lives in Dunmore, Co Galway, with her husband Bernard. Photo: Ray Ryan
In the last few weeks the family home has been bedecked in both Armagh and Galway flags, and Kathy loves the craic and banter it brings.
“Beside the Armagh flags, my daughter put up a big sign outside saying ‘Armagh for Apples and Galway for Sam Maguire’,” she said. “It’s great fun. We love it.”
While most of her grandchildren will be wearing maroon Galway jerseys, Kathy will be wearing a special dual allegiance one-of-a-kind gift from her daughter.
“The left side is Armagh and right side is Galway,” she said.
Kathy, nee Rafferty, speaks proudly of her brother Kevin, who played for Armagh in the 1970s.
“I come from a family of 16 — eight boys and eight girls, and we all loved the football.
Kathy Higgins. Photo: Ray Ryan
Kevin played in the 1977 All-Ireland final. We are proud of Kevin.
“I would love to go to the game on Sunday but I’ve no ticket yet. There is none about the place, everyone wants to go.
“But we will watch it here at home together. It will be nice now on Saturday night when we are all here watching Up For The Match.”
As much as she loves her native county, Kathy says she won’t be disappointed if her adopted one comes good tomorrow.
“I don’t mind who wins. I’d like to see my husband and grandchildren happy of course,” she said.
“And the Galway goalie (Conor Gleeson) is from Dunmore, and he is a lovely lad, so I would be happy for him. That’s what it all about.”