Mayfield stalwart Liam Huggins did so much for so many in his local community

Unsung heroes often experience their moment of glory or greatest level of appreciation only once their journey on earth has passed.

In life the contributions of many genuine folk are taken for granted who together are responsible for many kind acts throughout their lives.

It is only upon reflection of their contributions with the finality of their passing that we begin to feel the true weight of their loss.

The recent death of the former Sarsfield’s and Mayfield stalwart Liam Huggins brought huge sadness to his family and friends as he was a character in every sense of the word.

GAA was his life and even after his retirement he was the front man at Beamish and Crawford for various functions including welcoming the Cork All-Ireland Senior hurling and football championship winning teams.

Indeed, the last time Cork won the Senior hurling title captain Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and his team made their way to the South Main Street facility with Liam ensuring a few songs were sang before they departed to Na Piarsaigh clubhouse.

Liam married the love of his life Pat in 1967 but they did not move to their family home in Silversprings until three years later where greyhound training then became a huge part of his life.

Looking back on his passion for greyhounds it all started back when he used to walk dogs for the local priest Fr Bernard in St Joseph’s Glanmire church.

Eldest son Martin explains his father’s passion for the sport.

“Although he loved GAA to the core greyhound racing became a huge part of his life and he met some wonderful people at the various tracks over many years,” Martin said.

Over four decades Liam had many greyhounds and Martin recalled one that almost had almost had the family bankrupt.

“We backed it on a number of occasions but couldn’t understand on race night that she never came out of the traps until a couple of years later that my dad found out she was deaf that resulted in her failing to acknowledge the hair was coming before the traps opened,” Martin added.

The list of the greyhounds that Liam trained and bred is endless, but Liam was an animal lover and found it hard to part with greyhounds when it was clear they would not make the grade.

Family life for Liam was always a top priority but sadly his wife Pat passed away in 2003 and that took its toll on him big time.

It was evident he was never same man as they had went everywhere together and he found it hard to comprehend the challenge of living alone.

Sons Martin, Brian and Damien were always close to him and his favourite line was “I have three daughter in- laws and one is better than the other” and was always top of the pops with his grandchildren always showing them unconditional love.

Following his wife’s death Liam went fundraising for Leukemia for Ward 2D with John and Imelda Reynolds (Friends of Leukemia patients Cork) and they helped raise many thousands up and down this country.

When employed by Beamish and Crawford he helped draghunting by getting the company to sponsor the Munster championships and his local club at Mayfield were also helped with the sponsorship of the Michael Forde memorial draghunt at Riverstown.

At his funeral mass Fr Charlie commended him for being part of the fundraising committee that helped renovate Our Lady of Crowned church but that was Liam always helping without ever people knowing the major contributions he gave to charities and people.

Life was great for Liam up to 2015 when he was diagnosed with dementia and that was a trying and testing time for his family.

For three years they tried hard to look after him before eventually deciding he needed full time care at Bridehaven nursing home where he spent five years.

For the last two years he was at Care Choice in Montenotte and despite showing an incredible will to live he eventually passed away on March 27.

It brought an end to a colourful life, but son Martin believes it was hard to take for all the family.

“One of his greatest traits was his decency and he just loved coming down to see his grandchildren and at the end of his life they all missed out on him as he simply loved them all.” On final note the life of Liam Huggins could be summed up.

“There are many who want to do great things but the unsung hero is the one who is willing to do little things that really matter to people’s lives.” Huggy was simply the ultimate gentleman.

Thanks for memories Liam.