Mayo great Keith Higgins has this evening announced his inter-county football retirement after a decorated 16-year career that saw him win eight Connacht SFC titles and four All-Star awards as well as being crowned Young Footballer of the Year in 2006. Tributes from all over the GAA world poured in for the veteran defender on Twitter soon after...

The standard bearer. A corner forward's nightmare who always popped with scores of his own to boot. Would have excelled in any line. Most naturally gifted footballer I've seen play for Mayo. Keith Higgins was one of a kind. #Zippy #MayoGAA https://t.co/jESCE5zoHK

— James Connor (@JamesConnor18) January 23, 2021

Jesus, Keith Higgins was some player

— James Doherty (@JamesDohertyy) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins was absolutely brilliant

— Adrian McPartland (@adrianmcpartlnd) January 23, 2021

One of the great Keith Higgins days! The stand in Omagh was rocking that day ☺ #MayoGAA https://t.co/AyumupP1UL

— Anne-Marie (@am_flynn) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins was a mighty footballer. He broke Roscommon hearts more than once.A really nice guy too. I wish him every good wish on his retirement. #GAA

— Seamus Duke (@SeamusDuke) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins - an absolute joy to watch play for Mayo. I wanted you to stay on this team forever. Thank you for everything. I feel sad at this announcement after an amazing career. Best of luck always ❤️ https://t.co/R7cwLy9GPS

— Swallow Swoops (@KilgallonAm) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins was one of the greatest players Mayo ever produced. Thanks for the great days ya gave us 👏👏👏 https://t.co/RTdoG5JoZa

— John Carney (@RealJohnCarney) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins 'Zippy' is the latest Mayo player to announce his retirement from the Intercounty Football.
What a player! #mayogaabanter #mayogaa #ballyhaunis pic.twitter.com/C2lDE75dOR

— Mayo GAA Banter (@mayogaabanter) January 23, 2021

Of all the Mayo players Keith Higgins was different , a dual star who could have played for any hurling county. But was outstanding with the big ball freisin. https://t.co/Pnz0pqG6OG

— Cárthach Bán Breathnach (@cartyban) January 23, 2021

As a Gaa fan ya couldn’t help but like Keith Higgins! Top class player

— flash_gordon14 (@dgordon1997) January 23, 2021

Ah no😥what a player !!! One of the best i have played with. Top career. Top man. Good luck for the future lad. 👏👏 https://t.co/Z96yMdz4d3

— Conor.mortimer (😷)⚽️ (@Conmort) January 23, 2021

The goal against the Rossies. The pace. The duals with James O’Donoghue. Keith Higgins is one of the greats #mayogaa

— Ger Flanagan (@Gerry_Flan93) January 23, 2021

Keith Higgins, another great calls time on his career. What a talent, big and small ball. Can you imagine if all these retirees came together and entered their own team in the All Ireland series next season. I'd give them a shot #LegendsGAA

— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) January 23, 2021

One of the best defenders in the game, Keith Higgins, retired today. A first taste of silverware in 2006 and added eight Connacht titles & four All-Star awards in a fine career.

— Damian Lawlor (@LawlorDamian) January 23, 2021

He doesn't have the All-Ireland but Keith Higgins was without question one of the best defenders to play the game. A lad you'd want on your side.

— Robert Cribbin (@rob_cribbin) January 23, 2021