Keith Higgins has retired from inter-county football at the age of 35.
The Ballyhaunis clubman announced the news on Twitter on Saturday afternoon with the simple message,
"The time has come to step away. It’s been an unbelievable journey and an absolute privilege. Thank you."
Keith Higgins has today announced his retirement from Inter County football after 16 seasons with the Mayo. Mayo GAA would like to thank Keith for his commitment over the last number of years at underage and senior level. We wish him all the best https://t.co/nSp7dFLRId pic.twitter.com/vgI9gaQqCA
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 23, 2021
Higgins walks away with eight Connacht Senior Football Championship medals, four All-Stars and a National League medal from 2019.
He was named the Young Footballer of the Year in 2006 when Mayo lost to Kerry by 13 points in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.
He's also a keen hurler and has won seven county titles with Ballyhaunis.
The club also took to Twitter to wish him well saying,
"The outpouring of well wishes for Keith on social media in the wake of his announcement just shows how highly regarded he was in the eyes of many people all over the country.
"4 time All Star. Legend. We look forward to having him back in the black and red very soon."
Higgins the latest in a long line of James Horan's side to announce their inter-county retirement with Chris Barrett, Seamus O'Shea, Tom Parsons, David Clarke and Donal Vaughan all calling it a day since the 2020 Championship wrapped up in December.