Patrick McBrearty announced his intercounty retirement yesterday.
He lined out in the green and gold with distinction for 14 years.
Here are some of his best moments.
- Late winner against Derry in 2021
The 2021 Championship was straight knock-out and Donegal found themselves under pressure against a resurgent Derry side in Ballybofey in the quarter-finals. However, they fought back from four points down and then McBrearty got away from the close attention of Chrissy McKaigue and fired over a sensational winner in a 0-16 to 0-15 triumph.
- Meath defeated at the death
2017 was somewhat of a year of transition for Donegal but McBrearty was one of the best forwards in the land at the time and had impressed in an Ulster semi-final defeat against Tyrone. The Kilcar man and his teammates then headed for the back door and were in a real battle with Meath in Páirc Tailteann before McBrearty curled over a beauty to give his team a 1-15 to 1-14 victory.
Donal Keogan of Meath in action against Patrick McBrearty of Donegal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 3A match between Meath and Donegal at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Co Meath.
- Armagh challenge halted by Kilcar man
Donegal went into the 2014 All-Ireland quarter-final with Armagh as clear favourites but it was a tight encounter. Indeed with sixty minutes on the clock, they were behind following Stefan Campbell’s goal. However, Jim McGuinness’s men didn’t panic and they came back to level before McBrearty collected a pass from Rory Kavanagh and slotted over from an acute angle to give Donegal a 1-12 to 1-11 victory at Croke Park.
Patrick McBrearty on the ball against Armagh’s Mark Shields in 2014.
- Captain leads late raid against Kingdom
McBrearty was made captain by Paddy Carr for the 2023 season, and while it was a challenging campaign, it started off impressively against Kerry in the league at MacCumhaill Park. The Kingdom were the reigning All-Ireland champions but Donegal battled hard. It appeared like they would have to settle for a draw when Donal O’Sullivan fisted an equaliser but McBrearty had other ideas. He played a one-two with Daire Ó Baoill and then curled over a super effort as Donegal won by 0-13 to 1-9.
Patrick McBrearty wheels away after his winner against Kerry.
- Teenager on song at Breffni Park
Much is made about how McBrearty played minor and senior championship on the same day against Antrim when he was 17 in 2011. However, he was handed his first start in the next match against Cavan in the Ulster quarter-final. It proved to be a day to remember as he collected a sideline ball from Mark McHugh in the first half and fired low to the net. McBrearty finished with a tally of 1-3 to his name in a 2-14 to 1-8 victory.
Patrick McBrearty, Donegal, in action against Mark McKeever, left, and Sean Johnston, Cavan.
