Ulster’s role models are an example to all
Role models in today’s world often come from the ranks of television celebrities and sports stars.
There is nothing wrong with the pursuit of glory, fame and fortune or those who achieve it.
Many dedicate themselves to acquiring or honing the skills that allow them to rise to the heights of their chosen professions.
And this is often done at the cost of great sacrifice, particularly in the case of sports stars or athletes, as shown by the clear mental toll taken on our own snooker star Mark Allen who revealed in an emotional interview in Belfast on Tuesday night that he may quit the sport.
But there is another form of role model the world should look to and which is often ignored.
One such role model passed away in Lurgan earlier this week with the death of Clive Higginson.
The News Letter reports on tributes paid to ‘Higgi’ - described as a well-known author, historian, Royal British Legion stalwart and lifelong Glenavon fan - in today’s paper.
And the volume and depth of those tributes is telling.
Glenavon Triangle Supporters Club said: "Clive was a Triangle member for almost 50 years and was loved and respected by all, not only around Mourneview Park but the town of Lurgan and beyond.
The Royal British Legion in Lurgan described him as ‘a true Legion stalwart, a dear friend, and one of the most respected figures associated with Lurgan and Brownlow Royal British Legion’.
And his MP, Carla Lockhart, said; “He never shied away from the work that needed done, just quietly got on with it.”
Towns and villages across Ulster all have their own ‘Higgi’s’ - those who just get on with helping others.
They are role models for us all.