Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty has been forced to retire from inter-county football due to injury, the county has confirmed.
In a statement, Donegal say “the decision was reached on medical advice given the sustained recurrence of a knee injury which has hindered the CLG Chill Chartha clubman in recent seasons”.
McBrearty won his seventh Ulster title last season, a record for a Donegal footballer. He has one All-Ireland medal and represented Ireland on three occasions in international rules. He played 167 times for Donegal, 82 of those in championship.
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 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.”