DONEGAL captain Patrick McBrearty has retired from inter-county football.

The 2012 All-Ireland winner reached the decision on “medical advice” after a 15-year career.

McBrearty made his debut in 2011 on the same day he played for the county at minor level.

He skippered the county last season on their run to the All-Ireland final, his 167th appearance for Donegal and an 82nd time in the championship.

“Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall has today announced that captain, Patrick McBrearty has retired from inter-county football,” read a statement from Donegal GAA.

“The decision was reached on medical advice given the sustained recurrence of a knee injury which has hindered the Kilcar clubman in recent seasons.

“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.”

County Board chairperson, Mary Coughlan paid tribute to the Kilcar man.

“Patrick has had an extraordinary career and has set the bar extremely high for the next generation,” she said.

“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”, she concluded.