Mayo man and four-time football All-Star Keith Higgins was yesterday named the Nicky Rackard Hurler of the Year.
Having retired from football in January this year, Higgins was able to devote all his energy to the Mayo hurling cause and it paid off in spades.
Higgins was the standout performer in the Mayo side that won the Nicky Rackard Cup, which is the fourth tier of inter-county championship hurling. It is one tier below the Christy Ring Cup and one above the Lory Meaghar Cup.
31 July 2021; Referee Richie Fitzsimons with the two captains, Keith Higgins of Mayo and Damian Casey of Tyrone, before the Nickey Rackard Cup Final match between Tyrone and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
The Cup is of course named after legendary Wexford hurler Nicky Rackard who played inter-county hurling with Wexford during the 40s and 50s.
While Higgins is known primarily for his footballing exploits, he has been playing senior hurling with Mayo and his club Ballyhaunis since the mid-2000’s. His honours now include league titles and two Rackard Cups.
Higgins was also named to the GAA Championship 15 Team which is made up of the best players from the Rackard, Ring, and Meaghar Cups.
Here is the GAA Champions 15 Team for 2021! Congratulations! 🙌🤩#PwCAllStars @gaelicplayers pic.twitter.com/tNysduC3zq
— The GAA (@officialgaa) December 6, 2021
GAA President Larry McCarthy also commented on the awards and congratulated the players who made the team.
“I want to salute all of those who have been chosen on the Champion 15 selection. There are eight counties represented across the teams which is a great reflection of the depth of talent which exists in these competitions which continue to prove such a successful part of the GAA championship calendar.
“It is a great achievement for the players, their families, their counties and the clubs they represent. I particularly want to congratulate Oisín Kelly, Keith Higgins and Seán Corrigan for having their exceptional player of the year feats recognised.”
Offaly’s Oisín Kelly was named Christy Ring Player of the Year, and Fermanagh’s Seán Corrigan was named Lory Meaghar Player of the Year.
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