Patrick McBrearty named as new Donegal captain

Patrick McBrearty will succeed Michael Murphy as the captain of Donegal, starting with their Allianz League opener against Kerry in Ballybofey on January 29.

McBrearty skippered his native Kilcar to victory in the 2017 Donegal SFC and will take over from Murphy, who late last year retired from inter-county football. Murphy was made captain ahead of the 2011 season by then manager Jim McGuinness and led the side to victory in the 2012 All-Ireland SFC, five Ulster titles and the 2011 Allianz League Division 2. 

Donegal had been previously skippered by Kevin Cassidy in 2010 and 2008, Rory Kavanagh in 2009, Neil Gallagher in 2007 and Christy Toye the year beforehand.

Killybegs' duo Hugh McFadden and Eoghan Ban Gallagher will be joint vice-captains for the 2023 season, under new manager Paddy Carr. McFadden captained Donegal, in the absence of Murphy, to the 2018 Dr McKenna Cup and alongside the Glenswilly man in the 2019 Division 2 final win over Meath. Gallagher was joint captain with Tony McCleneghan as Declan Bonner's team won the 2017 Ulster U-21 championship.

Ciaran Thompson led the side against Down last Sunday in their Dr McKenna Cup opener in Newry, with Daire Ó Baoill taking the role on Wednesday against Monaghan.