Donegal forward Paddy McBrearty has decided to hang up his inter-county boots.
The 32-year-old Kilcar man played on the county’s winning All-Ireland team in 2012, having completed his Leaving Certificate the same year and first laying hands on the Anglo Celt back in 2011.
A recurring knee injury has hampered McBrearty in recent times, as he made a 50th minute appearance from the bench in this season’s All-Ireland decider, which they lost to Kerry.
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Captain for that occasion, he was also skipper for the Ulster finals won against Armagh in 2024 and 2025.
He retires with seven Ulster senior titles, a record for a Donegal footballer, with 82 championship appearances for Tír Chonaill and just over double that in all.
Mary Coughlan, chairperson of the county board, paid tribute tonight for a man she described as a “tremendous ambassador” for Donegal GAA:
“Patrick has had an extraordinary career and has set the bar extremely high for the next generation. He’s been a tremendous ambassador for Donegal GAA and has carried himself with dignity both on and off the field.
“His retirement leaves a great void, but the player has been plagued by injury in recent seasons.
“Of course, we must also remember that Patrick joined an elite group back in 2011 when he played county minor and senior championship football on the same day in Ballybofey against Antrim while still a secondary school student in Carrick.
“It is fitting that leaves with a record haul of medals and since being appointed captain in 2022, he has always led by example and worn the county jersey with fierce pride and distinction.”
