Hugh Higgins of Tyrawley facts for kids

Hugh Higgins was a talented blind Irish harper. He lived from about 1737 until sometime after 1791. Harpers were musicians who played the harp, a very important instrument in Irish history.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Hugh Higgins came from a well-known family called the Ó hUiginn family. This family was famous for being poets, writers, and historians. Hugh was born in Tirawley, a region in north-east County Mayo, Ireland.

His parents were quite well-off, meaning they had enough money. Hugh became blind when he was young. Because of his blindness, he started to learn how to play the harp. He was very good at music and learned quickly. People said he looked more "respectable" than many other traveling musicians.

Friends and Performances

Hugh Higgins was friends with another harper named Owen Keenan.

Hugh Higgins performed at the famous Belfast Harp Festival in 1791. He was described as "Hugh Higgins, blind Native of Mayo age 75 years." Before Belfast, he also played at a festival in Granard in 1791. However, he did not win any prizes there. He even decided not to play at one of the Granard events because he was unhappy with some of the arrangements. Another famous harper, Arthur O'Neill, was a good friend of Higgins. This friendship showed that Hugh Higgins was a respected musician.