DONEGAL senior football team captain Patrick McBrearty has retired from inter-county football.
The decision marks the end of a quite brilliant career which saw the Kilcar clubman play 167 times for Donegal, 82 of those in championship games, over 15 years.
During that time, Patrick won a record seven Ulster Senior Football Championship medals and the All-Ireland title with Donegal in 2012.
Announcing his retirement this evening, Donegal GAA said the player’s decision to retire was reached on medical advice given the sustained recurrence of a knee injury which has hindered him in recent seasons.
In a statement, a spokesperson said Patrick retires from the inter-county game having made his own piece of history last season winning a seventh Ulster senior medal, a record for a Donegal footballer.
He has also an All-Ireland medal from 2012, has represented Ireland on three occasions and has been a benchmark for excellence over the course of a distinguished 15 year career.
Patrick McBrearty, left, and Oisin Gallen of Donegal celebrate after the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship quarter-final w8in over Derry at Celtic Park.
Paying tribute, County Board chairperson, Mary Coughlan said:
“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 he 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”, she concluded.
