Mayo star Keith Higgins says seeing hurling stalwarts in the county being rewarded with a piece of success is the most satisfying part of the game.

Higgins was named Nicky Rackard Player of the Year for 2021 on Monday, with team mates David Kenny and Cathal Freeman also named alongside him on the GAA/GPA Champion 15 Team of the Year following Mayo’s Nicky Rackard Cup final triumph over Tyrone back in July.

Speaking to RTÉ 2fm's Game On, Higgins, who announced his retirement from inter-county football last January, paid tribute to those driving the small ball game in his home county.

"You talk to any of the guys from the so-called weaker counties in hurling, and it's probably the same story in every single one," he said.

"There's little pockets in each county, small pockets of people who are keeping the game going.

"I think it does mean an awful lot to them when they see people they've coached for 20 or 30 years getting a bit of success on the big day.

“It's the people like that you feel more happy for... seeing all their hard work finally paying off."

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