Donegal captain Paddy McBrearty has announced his retirement from intercounty football.

He made his championship debut in 2011, playing in both the senior and minor games against Antrim on the same day.

An All-Ireland winner in 2012, he holds the Donegal record for seven Ulster SFC final winner’s medals in a career that included 167 games for his county.

Donegal GAA in a statement said that the decision was reached on medical advice given the sustained recurrence of a knee injury which has hindered the Kilcar clubman in recent seasons.

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.”

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