Tributes paid to Co Antrim woman Beatrice Higgins following fatal Glarryford collision

Pictured: 81-year-old Beatrice Higgins

The woman who tragically died following a two-vehicle collision in Glarryford on Sunday, 28 September, has been named as 81-year-old Beatrice Higgins (née Black) from Ballycastle.

The incident occurred shortly after 2pm on Killagan Road. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Mrs Higgins was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inspector Cherith Adair of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said:

“Shortly after 2pm, we received a report that a collision had occurred in the Killagan Road area.

“Our officers attended alongside other emergency service partners, however the woman sadly died at the scene.

“Enquiries are continuing and we appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage which could assist our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 750 28/09/25.”

UUP Representatives Express Condolences

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford (UUP, Bannside DEA) and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows (UUP) have also expressed their profound sadness following the tragedy.

In a joint statement, they said:

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life following the serious road traffic collision in Glarryford. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the lady who so tragically lost her life. At this incredibly difficult time, the entire community shares in their grief and stands ready to offer its full support.

“We also wish a full and speedy recovery to the three other individuals who were injured in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.

“On behalf of the community, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and all the emergency service personnel who attended the scene. We are grateful for their professional and dedicated attempts to provide assistance under such difficult and traumatic circumstances.

“The PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit is conducting a thorough investigation, and we would join their appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have dashcam footage from the Killagan Road area around 2pm yesterday, to come forward and contact police on 101, quoting reference number 750 of 28/09/25.

“In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating event.”

Funeral Arrangements

McKiernan’s Funeral Directors have announced details of the funeral arrangements for the late Mrs Higgins.

She was the beloved wife of the late Dan, a loving mother to Leona (McKiernan), Shauna (O’Neill), Bronagh (Quinn), Edmund, James and Danielle (O’Neill), and a cherished mother-in-law to Pat, Damian, James, Laura and Bryan.

She was also a much-adored grandmother to Aoibh, Eimear, Eoghan, Feargal, Conn, Aoibhinn, Eleanor, Dan, Eliza, Bronagh, Orlaith and Meabh.

Mrs Higgins was the daughter of the late Edmund and Eileen Black, and sister of the late Fr Julian, Edmund and Nuala (Doherty).

The funeral will take place from her late residence, 20 Moyle Park, Ballycastle, on Friday, 3 October at 9.20am, with Requiem Mass at 10am in St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Church, Ballycastle. The Mass will also be broadcast live on the parish website via this link. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only have been requested. Donations, if desired, can be made in Mrs Higgins’ memory to the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, either online via McKiernan & Sons or by post to McKiernan & Sons, 45-47 Maghera Street, Kilrea, BT51 5QL.

The Higgins and Black family circles have expressed their deep sorrow at her passing, noting she will be “deeply missed by the entire family circle.”