Those We Lost

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Actress Patricia Neal

Photo by Van Vechten

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Dorothy Hayden Cudahy
1922-2010
    Dorothy Hayden Cudahy, a pioneering figure in New York’s Irish-American community, passed away on August 5. She was 88.
In 1989 Hayden Cudahy was the first female Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade. She was also the first woman and the first American-born person to be elected president of the County Kilkenny Association. In addition, she was a member of the A.O.H and a trustee of the Irish Institute. 
    Hayden Cudahy was born in Manhattan on May 29, 1922. Her mother was Delia Brennan of Co. Sligo and her father was James Hayden, from Co. Kilkenny. Hayden was the host of the popular “Irish Memories” radio program, and Hayden Cudahy took his place after his death in 1943. She hosted the show until 1990, which earned her the unofficial title “The First Lady of Irish Radio.” A collection of her papers relating to the show is held by the Archives of Irish America.
    She was married to John Cudahy, with whom she had a son, Sean. She is survived by her granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. – SL
 
Alex Higgins
1949-2010
    Rising from a working-class lifestyle in Belfast, Alex Higgins abandoned ambitions for jockey gold to pursue a sport little known on this side of the pond – snooker. The billiard game with 6 pockets and 22 balls originated among British soldiers in India in the 19th century. Its rules are complicated and its fan base fierce. Higgins joined the professional snooker world to earn two world-championship titles and the nickname ‘Hurricane’ thanks to his aggressive style.
    Alexander Higgins, called Sandy as a boy, was born in Belfast on March 18, 1949. He began playing snooker at a local pub, the Jampot, when he was 11. Higgins won his first championship at age 22, his first attempt at the title, and quickly rose to an iconic status in the snooker circuit not only for his talent but also for his charismatic and somewhat crass behavior.  Known for his drinking and physical altercations with tournament directors and opponents, Higgins was a dark but lively figure in the sport.
    His home life was tabloid heaven with stories of furious and violent girlfriends and two wives. He was the subject of a 2001 biography, Eye of the Hurricane, and of a 2004 one-man play, Hurricane, as well as the 1991 documentary I’m No Angel.
    Higgins was found dead in his home in Belfast on July 24. He was 61 and had been battling throat cancer for 12 years. Higgins is survived by his daughter and son.  – TD

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