Background
Kevin O'Higgins was born in Stradbally, County Laois, one of sixteen children of Dr. Thomas Higgins and Anne Sullivan, daughter of the Nationalist politician Timothy Daniel Sullivan. His aunt was married to the Nationalist MP Tim Healy. He was educated at the Jesuit-run Clongowes Wood College, at Knockbeg College, St. Marys Christian Brother School, Portlaoise and St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Here he broke the non-smoking rules and was removed to Carlow Seminary. He attended University College Dublin.
O'Higgins joined the Irish Volunteers in 1915. He was efficient and had a forceful personality and was soon appointed captain of Stradbally company, Carlow brigade. He joined Sinn Féin and was imprisoned in 1918. While he was imprisoned he became MP for Queen's County (Laois).
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