F. R. Higgins facts for kids

Frederick Robert Higgins (born April 24, 1896 – died January 6, 1941) was an Irish poet and a theatre director. He is known for his beautiful poems and his work with the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

Early Life and Home

Frederick Robert Higgins was born in a town called Foxford in County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland. He was the oldest son of Joseph and Annie Higgins. His father, Joseph, was a policeman.

Later, Frederick grew up in Ballivor in County Meath. He loved this area, calling it "our most lovely Meath." His family had lived and farmed there for many generations. He also spent some time living in Dublin and went to Saint Columba's National School.

As an adult, he lived most of his life in Dublin. He built a house in Rathfarnham right next to the River Dodder. Frederick often had poor health, and sadly, he passed away at a young age, just as he had sometimes predicted. In 1921, he married Beatrice May Moore. Their marriage was a happy one.

His Work as a Poet and Director

Frederick Higgins was a student of the famous poet William Butler Yeats. He learned a lot from Yeats. From 1935 until he died, Higgins was part of the board at the Abbey Theatre. This is a very important theatre in Ireland.

One of his most famous books of poems is The Gap of Brightness, which came out in 1940. He also wrote a well-known poem called "Father and Son." This poem was a loving tribute to his own father. He also wrote a sad poem for his friend, the poet Pádraic Ó Conaire, after he passed away.

Many people thought Frederick Higgins was a very good poet. However, some felt he was not as strong when it came to directing plays at the Abbey Theatre. In 1937, he helped manage a tour of the play Katie Roche by Teresa Deevy. This play traveled all the way to the Ambassador Theatre (New York City) in the USA. You can find out more about his work at the Abbey Theatre in their special archives. He died suddenly in January 1941 from a heart attack.

His Friends and Personality

Frederick Higgins was a very popular and friendly person. He enjoyed spending time with others. He had many friends who were also important Irish writers and artists. These friends included William Butler Yeats, Padraic O Conaire, George William Russell, and Lennox Robinson.

He really admired William Butler Yeats. He once said that after visiting Yeats, he felt "like a thousand dollars." Frederick was also known for being very kind and generous. He often helped younger writers, like Patrick Kavanagh, get started.

Plays He Was Involved With

• Katie Roche (1937) - (Tour Manager)