Donegal’s Patrick McBrearty announces retirement from intercounty football

Patrick McBrearty has announced his retirement from inter-county football with Donegal.

The forward made his debut with Donegal in 2011, and won the All-Ireland in 2012 as well as seven Ulster titles.

McBrearty made 167 appearances for his county, with 82 of those in championship.

His last appearance for Donegal was as a second-half sub in this year’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry at Croke Park. Michael Murphy, who came out of retirement this season, is now the sole survivor from Donegal’s 2012 All-Ireland winning side.

Paying tribute to McBrearty, 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 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."