Keith Higgins celebrates Mayo's Connaught final victory over Galway last November. Photo: Sportsfile

Keith Higgins announces inter-county football retirement

Keith Higgins has today confirmed his retirement from inter-county football. He is the sixth Mayo player to retire this year, following on from Donal Vaughan, David Clarke, Tom Parsons, Seamus O'Shea and Chris Barrett.

The 35-year-old Ballyhaunis man made his senior debut for Mayo against Dublin in the National League in 2005, and made 75 championship appearances in total. He won an All-Ireland Under 21 title in 2005, eight Connaught senior titles, and a National League in 2019. He was named Young Footballer of the Year in 2006 and won All-Stars in 2012, '13, '14 and '17.

“The time has come to step away. It's been an unbelievable journey and an absolute privilege. Thank you,” said Higgins on his Twitter account.

“Mayo GAA would like to sincerely thank Keith for his immense contribution and commitment to Mayo GAA throughout his distinguished playing career. We wish Keith all the best in 2021 and beyond,” said Mayo GAA chairman Liam Moffatt.