Bernese Mountain dogs and their owners gather outside Aras to bid farewell to Michael D Higgins on his final day as president

"After being elected in 2011, he was joined in the Áras by his wife Sabina and a cast of Bernese Mountain dogs, who soon became a beloved fixture at the Áras, greeting dignitaries and interrupting events in pursuit of belly rubs. Known for his affection for the breed, he currently owns five-year-old Misneach. His previous dogs, Bród, died in 2023, and Síoda died in 2020 following a short illness."

"His 14 years as President of Ireland saw the poet expand on how the office is viewed and take outspoken positions on Government policy. He also leaves Áras an Uachtaráin as a figure who has inspired memes, tea cosies and children's books. Born on April 18, 1941, in Limerick city, Michael Daniel Higgins was the third of John and Alice Higgins's four children."

Michael Daniel Higgins completed a 14-year term as President of Ireland and departed Áras an Uachtaráin amid a farewell from Bernese Mountain dogs and their owners. The Bernese dogs became a familiar presence at the Áras, greeting visitors and interrupting events for attention. Higgins currently owns a five-year-old Bernese named Misneach; earlier dogs Bród and Síoda died in 2023 and 2020 respectively. His presidency as a poet altered perceptions of the office and included outspoken positions on government policy. He emerged as a cultural figure who inspired memes, tea cosies and children's books. Born on 18 April 1941 in Limerick, he was the first in his family to attend university and began political activism as a student.

Read at Irish Independent