Former Fine Gael TD Brigid Hogan-O’Higgins has been remembered as someone who “believed passionately in serving her country and community”.
Ms Hogan-O’Higgins, a mother-of-nine and the first woman to represent Galway in the Dáil, has died aged 90.
Her son Cahir O’Higgins said that apart from being a loving mother she served as a TD for 20 years and “continued to help others long after her formal political career ended”.
He added: “She was a devoted mother, proud Galway farmer, a woman of strong faith and she believed passionately in serving her country and community.
“A gaping hole will be left in all of our hearts and lives.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar offered his deepest condolences to Ms Hogan-O’Higgins’ family and friends.
He said “Brigid was the first woman to represent Galway in Dáil Éireann; a proud record to hold.
“She served as a TD for 20 years, representing the constituencies of Galway South, Galway East and Clare-Galway South.”
Mr Varadkar continued: “As well as representing her constituents on local issues, Brigid prioritised issues such as education, health, communications and finance, during her time in the Dáil.”
Ms Hogan-O’Higgins was the Fine Gael spokeswoman on Posts and Telegraphs from 1969 to1972 and she served during the ‘National Coalition’ Fine Gael Labour Government of 1973-1977.
Mr Varadkar said that her father Patrick Hogan was the Minister for Agriculture in the first Cumann na nGaedheal Government until his untimely death when Brigid was just four years of age.
Her late husband Michael O’Higgins was also a Fine Gael TD representing Dublin and Wicklow, and they were the first married couple ever to be elected to the same Dáil.
Mr Varadkar said: “A true public servant, Brigid remained active in her community after she retired from politics in 1977, volunteering for the St Vincent de Paul.”
He also said: “I had the privilege to meet and chat with Brigid a few years ago on a visit to Galway.
“My sincere condolences go to Brigid’s children and all of her extended family. A dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Ms Hogan O’Higgins highlighting her “significant contribution to Irish politics” and saying she will be remembered with warmth in her home county.
“Her passing represents a significant break in history, both in terms of her own significant contribution to Irish politics and of that of her family, with her father Patrick Hogan having served as the first Minister for Agriculture in the new Irish State,” he said.
“Most importantly, Brigid will be remembered with warmth by the people of East Galway whom she served as a TD and by the community with whom she lived and farmed.”
He added: “Both Brigid and Michael were always courteous in respecting the views of others, while themselves offering their views with sincerity and consideration. May I send my sincere condolences to Brigid’s children and to all of her friends and family.”
Former Taoiseach John Bruton said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her death.
“Brigid was a warm and engaging person and preserved her youthful enthusiasm to the end of her life,” he said. “She was a brave and effective representative of the people of Galway in the Dáil, carrying on a tradition established by her father.
“Had she had the opportunity to serve in government, she would have done so with the same spirit of selfless service, as he did as Minister for Agriculture. Her family can be very proud of her.”
