A defensive star for 16 seasons, was Higgins the best Mayo produced in modern era?
The Mayo defensive great retired yesterday. Fintan O Toole By Fintan O Toole Sunday 24 Jan 2021, 6:35 PM Jan 24th 2021, 6:35 PM 9,033 Views 15 Comments
Keith Higgins in action for Mayo against Dublin in 2018.
Image: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Image: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
THE LAST ACT for Keith Higgins in a Mayo jersey saw him play a peripheral role.
He watched on as All-Ireland dejection visited Mayo once more in a decider, an unused substitute for the eerie December occasion that rounded off the 2020 championship. It would prove his final involvement in the Mayo football ranks.
There s no clear indication as to when the football season will get up and running, but it s still worth taking a look at some of the footballers who could light up 2021.
Some are on the cusp of burgeoning senior careers, others are returning from injury, the AFL or a break from the inter-county scene - but all have the potential to make a big impact in this championship . . .
Lee Gannon (Dublin)
One of Dublin s best performers in their All-Ireland U-20 defeat to Galway where he landed a long-range outside-of-the-boot point, Whitehall Colmcille man Gannon put down a strong season with Tom Gray s side. Used as a midfielder in the decider, he s a versatile sort and registered three points from wing-back in the All-Ireland semi-final win over Tyrone. A man in demand, he had a brief flirtation with the county hurlers, having been on the extended squad in 2019. And given that Dublin s cover isn t as deep in defence as other areas of the pitch - combined with the Dubs policy of introdu