Long-serving Mayo defender Keith Higgins has called time on his inter-county football days.

The 35-year-old represented the county at senior level with distinction for 16 years, winning eight Connacht SFC titles and four All-Star awards.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, Higgins made his senior debut against Roscommon in 2005 and soon became a mainstay of the team at corner back.

He went on to captain Mayo to All-Ireland U21 glory in 2006 and was named Young Player of the Year in the same year.

The Ballyhaunis clubman picked up an Allianz Football League Division 1 medal two years ago and captained Mayo in 2016.

Keith Higgins celebrates a Mayo victory. ©INPHO/James Crombie.

The Connacht SFC final win over Galway last November was his 75th and last championship appearance for the county, with injury curtailing his involvement on the All-Ireland stage.

An outstanding dual star, Higgins also has an All-Ireland junior hurling championship, Nicky Rackard Cup and Railway Cup medals to his list of honours.

He is the sixth Mayo footballer to retire this month, following on from Donie Vaughan, David Clarke, Seamus O’Shea, Tom Parsons and Chris Barrett.

Announcing his retirement, Higgins tweeted: "The time has come to step away. It’s been an unbelievable journey and an absolute privilege. Thank you."

The time has come to step away. It’s been an unbelievable journey and an absolute privilege. Thank you. ❤️💚 pic.twitter.com/qgNcT35cZE

— Keith Higgins (@keithhiggins7) January 23, 2021

 

 

Tweet

Most Read Stories