Patrick McBrearty

McBrearty is a graduate of the Phoenix Elite Academy.{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=195724|title=Donegal star inspires a new generation|work=Hogan Stand|date=2 July 2013|access-date=2 July 2013|quote=Patrick is just one of a number of elite senior County players who have previously attended the Ulster GAA Elite Academy. Others include fellow Donegal star Michael Murphy, Tyrone's Peter Harte and Antrim hurling captain Neil McManus.}}

McBrearty was born in Dublin. His father, Seamus, a former centre-forward, who won three Donegal Under-21 Football Championship titles and was a panel member with the 1985 Donegal Senior Football Champions.

His mother, Carol, is a cousin of Tommy Conroy.

His brother, Stephen, has been a teammate for club and county.

McBrearty used to play association football with St Catherine's — also the hometown club of Everton's Séamus Coleman — and is a close friend of Irish association footballer Carl McHugh, with whom he played for Ireland and went on trial at Celtic.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/patrick_doesnt_give_an_afl_about_oz|title=Patrick doesn't give an AFL about Oz|publisher=Donegal Now|date=20 September 2012|access-date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220025044/http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/patrick_doesnt_give_an_afl_about_oz|archive-date=20 December 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=180868|title=Donegal can benefit from McGuinness move — McBrearty|work=Hogan Stand|date=13 November 2012|access-date=13 November 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=184287|title=McBrearty looking for time off|work=Hogan Stand|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2013}} At Celtic he trained alongside the likes of Bobo Baldé and Thomas Gravesen.{{cite news|url=http://gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2402121321-patrick-mcbrearty-interview/|title=Patrick McBrearty: Teenage Kicks|date=24 February 2012|access-date=24 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220042820/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2402121321-patrick-mcbrearty-interview/|archive-date=20 December 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/paddy-mcbrearty-donegal-celtic-carl-mchugh-815742-Mar2013/|title=Donegal star McBrearty recalls 'fantastic' time at Celtic with McHugh: The Donegal star was close to becoming a professional soccer player before Gaelic football came calling|publisher=The42.ie|date=3 March 2013|access-date=3 March 2013}} He has also played soccer for Finn Harps at underage level.{{cite news|url=http://www.oceanfm.ie/sp/article_manager/detail/finn_harps_to_take_on_allireland_champions|title=Finn Harps to take on All-Ireland champions|publisher=Ocean FM|date=15 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|quote=Donegal goalkeepers Paul Durcan and Michael Boyle both spent some time on the books at Finn Park, while forward Patrick McBrearty and defender Frank McGlynn have turned out for Harps underage teams in the past.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119063101/http://oceanfm.ie/sp/article_manager/detail/finn_harps_to_take_on_allireland_champions|archive-date=19 November 2012}} He also played underage for his local club Kilcar and has won many titles alongside his brother Stephen.

He also played in the teams that lost to Cavan in the 2013 and 2014 Ulster Under-21 Football Championship finals.{{cite news|url=http://donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/ulster_u21_final_live_donegal_v_cavan|title=Ulster U21 Final Live: Donegal 1-06 v Cavan 0–13|work=Donegal Now|date=10 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013|quote=Patrick McBrearty is in flying form as he makes it a two-point game!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220024738/http://donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/ulster_u21_final_live_donegal_v_cavan|archive-date=20 December 2013|url-status=dead}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Lads usually aren't ready to take all that [senior football] on now until they're 22 or even 23. They have their strength and conditioning to progress on but there is no doubt Paddy was ready right away. He was already fully filled out… The deceiving thing about Paddy is that he sometimes doesn't look like he's going that fast. But there is serious pace there. And he's aggressive. With that build as well he is difficult to block out or get in the way of. He can win his own ball in front of his man but he is also quick and intelligent enough to make the kind of runs that also eliminate a sweeper. And once he gets on that left foot there is only one thing on his mind. He has serious range as well".|source=– Colm McFadden on McBrearty}}

McBrearty was drafted into the senior panel by manager Jim McGuinness in May 2011 ahead of Donegal's opening Ulster Senior Football Championship game against Antrim.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/mcgee-back-and-mcbrearty-drafted-in-by-mcguinness-1-2653095|title=McGee back and McBrearty drafted in by McGuinness|work=Donegal Democrat|date=5 May 2011|access-date=5 May 2011}} He made his senior debut against Antrim as a substitute.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2011/0515/279944-donegal_antrim/|title=Donegal 1–10 Antrim 0–07|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=15 May 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103045456/https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2011/0515/donegal_antrim.html|archivedate=3 November 2012}} He had earlier played for Donegal in the Minor Championship, also against Antrim.{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Craig|title=McBrearty leading the way — McFadden|work=Donegal News|date=24 June 2021|page=67|quote='Yeah — Paddy had played minor against Antrim that day back in 2011 and then, late on in the senior game, Jim put him in', said McFadden. 'I remember Jim saying at the time that he was a very special talent… Lads usually aren't ready to take all that on now until they're 22 or even 23. They have their strength and conditioning to progress on but there is no doubt Paddy was ready right away. He was already fully filled out… The deceiving thing about Paddy is that he sometimes doesn't look like he's going that fast. But there is serious pace there. And he's aggressive. With that build as well he is difficult to block out or get in the way of. He can win his own ball in front of his man but he is also quick and intelligent enough to make the kind of runs that also eliminate a sweeper. And once he gets on that left foot there is only one thing on his mind. He has serious range as well'.}}

He made his first senior start for Donegal against Cavan at 17 years of age and scored 1–3. His 20th-minute goal was fired first time along the ground into the Cavan net after a pass from Mark McHugh.{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/cavan-provide-poor-test-for-donegal-1-2771696|title=Cavan provide poor test for Donegal|work=Donegal Democrat|date=14 June 2011|access-date=14 June 2011}} McGuinness named McBrearty as a late replacement for his clubmate Michael Hegarty in the starting lineup in that game against Cavan.{{cite news|first=Cliona|last=Foley|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/donegal-contest-murphy-red-card-26741918.html|title=Donegal contest Murphy red card|work=Irish Independent|date=13 June 2011|accessdate=13 June 2011|quote=But then came a bit of class to brighten the show when Mark McHugh's well-placed line-ball found Paddy McBrearty (17) and he shook off his man and tucked away a 20th-minute goal. Donegal's decision to give the fifth-year schoolboy his first Ulster start -- he was named as a late replacement for 31-year-old clubmate Michael Hegarty -- caused a stir before throw-in. And after trying a little too hard at times, he settled into his rhythm in the second half and did not disappoint, finishing with 1-3. His goal proved pivotal…}}

McBrearty's performances during his debut season at senior inter-county level drew widespread praise, both from local and national media.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/murphy-s-new-role-a-debate-that-will-run-for-the-summer-1-2697086|title=Murphy's new role — a debate that will run for the summer|work=Donegal Democrat|date=19 May 2011|access-date=19 May 2011|quote=We had the introduction of young Patrick McBrearty to get a feel of senior championship flavour. Jim McGuinness must have felt that with Donegal in a comfortable position, that the timing was right to give him a taste of what he can expect. McBrearty is a huge talent… but Donegal supporters will have to be patient with him; remember he still hasn't reached his 18th birthday.}}{{cite news|first=Cliona|last=Floey|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/refreshed-donegal-primed-to-go-to-work-28649480.html|title=Refreshed Donegal primed to go to work|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=23 August 2011|access-date=23 August 2011|quote=Murphy's return means someone will lose out in the forwards and there is speculation that it will be Paddy McBrearty. The 17-year-old has done remarkably well in his debut senior season but could be given an impact-sub role in a match which comes just 48 hours before he returns to start his final year in secondary school.}}

By the age of 18 he had firmly established himself as a member of the Donegal senior team.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/patrick-looking-for-top-marks-again-this-week-1-3986608|title=Patrick looking for top marks again this week|work=Donegal Democrat|date=26 June 2012|access-date=26 June 2012|quote=A week after completing his Leaving Cert, Patrick McBrearty puts his 100% record in Ulster Championship football on the line again on Saturday evening next in Clones. It's hard to believe that the Kilcar man is still only 18 years of age but has firmly established himself on the Donegal senior team.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/northern-ireland/18473218|title=Victory over Derry fails to satisfy Donegal boss McGuinness|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 June 2012|access-date=16 June 2012|quote=Patrick McBrearty was among Donegal's top performers, just a day after the 18-year-old student finished his exams. 'He came into the squad at 17 and he has it all physically and mentally', added McGuinness.}}

After his second Ulster SFC medal in 2012, Jim and Rory reckoned he had trained only about 25 times with the senior team.{{cite news|first=Chris|last=McNulty|url=https://donegalnews.com/2012/07/baby-give-it-up-for-the-ulster-champions/|title='Baby Give It Up' for the Ulster champions|work=Donegal News|date=27 July 2012|access-date=27 July 2012|quote='Patrick has only trained with us about 25 times in the last two years and he has two Ulster medals', Jim McGuinness observed after Sunday's final win over Down. 'Before the game myself and Rory Gallagher were just saying that it would be a good book to write — how to win two Ulster championships and train 25 times. He's fresh anyway, I'll give him that!'}}

In the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final defeat of Kerry at Croke Park on 5 August 2012, Anthony Thompson knocked McBrearty out of the game with his head, causing him concussion.{{cite news|first=Colm|last=Keys|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/mcbrearty-shooting-for-the-stars-as-he-commits-to-donegal-cause-26884116.html|title=McBrearty shooting for the stars as he commits to Donegal cause|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=7 August 2012|access-date=7 August 2012|quote=Paddy McBrearty was 19 on Sunday -- he shares the same birthday as Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon… McBrearty was forced off for treatment in the first half after a collision with colleague Anthony Thompson left him slightly concussed, but he was able to play on. 'I'd a wee bit of concussion there. The quietest man on the team hit me! That was the last man I expected to be hitting me. It was just a wee clash of heads and nothing too harmful. I should be alright for three weeks' time', he confirmed.}}

McBrearty played in the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final against Mayo, making a notable contribution in the build-up to Donegal's second goal of the game. His attempt at scoring a point came crashing off the Mayo post after eleven minutes of the match and Mayo's Kevin Keane fumbled, dropping the ball into the path of Colm McFadden who promptly slotted it into the back of the net.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338702-live-all-ireland-football-finals/|title=Live updates from the All-Ireland finals at Croke Park|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=23 September 2012|access-date=23 September 2012}}{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Roche|url=https://www.herald.ie/opinion/columnists/frank-roche/dazzling-donegals-day-28848641.html|title=Dazzling Donegal's day|newspaper=Evening Herald|date=24 September 2012|access-date=24 September 2012|quote=You could argue that what happened then spooked Keane eight minutes later: as Paddy McBrearty's attempted point rebounded off an upright, the Mayo No 2 was in pole position to clear the danger but, one disastrous fumble later, McFadden had the ball in his hands and then the ball in the net.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209022307/http://www.herald.ie/opinion/columnists/frank-roche/dazzling-donegals-day-3239806.html|archive-date=9 December 2012}}

{{see also|Karl Lacey#Tyrone spitting incident}}

Against Dublin in the final game of the 2013 National Football League McBrearty sustained a laceration to the shoulder, reported to have been caused by a bite from a Dublin player.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/mcbrearty-injury-annoys-officials-1-4974471|title=McBrearty injury annoys officials|work=Donegal Democrat|date=8 April 2013|access-date=8 April 2013}} The Donegal management team took photographs of the wound, photographs of a wound which appeared to suggest had been caused by the teeth marks of a Dublin opponent.{{cite news|first=Dallan|last=O'Donnell|url=http://sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/donegal-claim-mcbrearty-suffered-an-alleged-bite-wound-2013-04-09/|title=Donegal claim McBrearty suffered an alleged bite wound|publisher=Sports News Ireland|date=9 April 2013|access-date=9 April 2013}} McBrearty was hospitalised after the game to have the wound examined.{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=189663|title=Claims McBrearty suffered bite wound|work=Hogan Stand|date=9 April 2013|access-date=9 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2013/0409/380449-donegal-mcbrearty/|title=Donegal claim player was bitten in Dublin game|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=9 April 2013|access-date=9 April 2013}} Accompanied by his parents, he underwent blood tests and was put on a course of antibiotics by concerned medics.{{cite news|first=Karl|last=O'Kane|url=http://www.thestar.ie/star/gaa-ace-patrick-mcbrearty-bitten-at-match-gets-blood-tests/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615060852/http://www.thestar.ie/star/gaa-ace-patrick-mcbrearty-bitten-at-match-gets-blood-tests/|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|title=GAA ace Patrick McBrearty 'bitten' at match gets blood tests|work=The Star|date=9 April 2013 |access-date=9 April 2013}}

The incident overshadowed the entire game and rocked Dublin's football team, according to media there.{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Roche|url=http://www.herald.ie/sport/gaa/mcmahon-i-dont-know-what-happened-29189809.html|title=McMahon: I don't know what happened|newspaper=Evening Herald|date=11 April 2013|access-date=11 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=189835|title=McMahon expects resolution to McBrearty affair|work=Hogan Stand|date=11 April 2013|access-date=11 April 2013}} Commentators described it as "shameful".{{cite news|first=Declan|last=Bogue|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/declan-bogue/justice-must-be-seen-to-be-done-and-quickly-29203734.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130504223411/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/declan-bogue/justice-must-be-seen-to-be-done-and-quickly-29203734.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 May 2013|title=Justice must be seen to be done, and quickly|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=18 April 2013|access-date=18 April 2013}} However, Dublin County Board chairman Andy Kettle reacted with indifference, rejecting the need for an investigation and complaining instead of "a hard pitch".{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Roche|url=https://www.herald.ie/sport/gaa/dublin-chief-kettle-onus-is-on-donegal-to-prove-that-mcbrearty-was-actually-bitten-29187326.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518070916/http://www.herald.ie/sport/gaa/dublin-chief-kettle-onus-is-on-donegal-to-prove-that-mcbrearty-was-actually-bitten-29187326.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 May 2015|title=Dublin chief Kettle: Onus is on Donegal to prove that McBrearty was actually bitten|newspaper=Evening Herald|date=10 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013}}

The GAA launched a probe into the behaviour of the Dublin players.{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=189743|title=GAA launch bite probe|work=Hogan Stand|date=10 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/croke-park-set-up-investigation-into-alleged-mcbrearty-biting-incident-1-4981305|title=Croke Park set up investigation into alleged McBrearty biting incident|work=Donegal Democrat|date=10 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013}} On 17 April 2013, the Central Competitions Controls Committee (CCCC) cited Kevin O'Brien, the 2012 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship-winning captain, for the biting of McBrearty.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/dublin-footballer-kevin-o-brien-to-contest-ban-for-alleged-biting-incident-1.1363589|title=Dublin footballer Kevin O'Brien to contest ban for alleged biting incident: Hearing expected to take place before the national football league final|work=The Irish Times|date=10 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013}} However, most sources did not immediately name the player.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2013/0417/381908-dublin-board-contacted-over-biting-incident/|title=CCCC propose suspension for a Dublin player accused of biting Donegal's Paddy McBrearty|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=17 April 2013|access-date=17 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/dublin-player-cited-in-mcbrearty-bite-allegation-1-5007674|title=Dublin player cited in McBrearty 'bite' allegation|work=Donegal Democrat|date=17 April 2013|access-date=17 April 2013}} The offence fell under Category III and a three-match ban was proposed, enough to end the player's year if Dublin were to exit the Championship at an early stage.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Keane|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/dublin-star-facing-three-match-ban-after-cccc-biting-probe-228700.html|title=Croke Park set up investigation into alleged McBrearty biting incident|work=Irish Examiner|date=18 April 2013|access-date=18 April 2013}}

Stalked by "bitegate" (see above) since the end of the National League, McBrearty put in a man of the match performance against Tyrone in Donegal's opening game of the Ulster SFC.{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=193176|title=McBrearty consigns 'Bitegate' to history|work=Hogan Stand|date=27 May 2013|access-date=27 May 2013}} He played a crucial role in both of Donegal's goals.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/northern-ireland/22604227|title=Ulster Football Championship: Donegal 2–10 0–10 Tyrone|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2013|access-date=26 May 2013|quote=But from a position where Donegal appeared to be losing their way, the game turned dramatically in their favour three minutes before the interval as McFadden produced a cool low finish to the net after man of the match McBrearty had flicked on a long ball from Michael Murphy… Wherity timed his run perfectly to palm to the net from the edge of the squad but most of the credit for the goal had to go to McBrearty who outpaced Carlin before delivering the pinpoint pass to the substitute.}} Colm Cooper collected his award for him from The Sunday Game.{{cite news|first=Sean|last=Nolan|url=https://www.joe.ie/uncategorized/monday-morning-corner-back-ohara-tears-into-walshobriain-on-the-sunday-game-and-prediction-woes-334826|title=Monday Morning Corner back: O'Hara tears into Walsh, O'Briain on the Sunday Game and prediction woes|publisher=JOE.ie|date=27 May 2013|access-date=27 May 2013}} His quieter performance in the following game, an Ulster SFC semi-final against Down, was put down to toothache.{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=195097|title=Toothache hampers McBrearty|work=Hogan Stand|date=24 June 2013|access-date=24 June 2013}}

McBrearty received a personal message from US actress Sarah Jessica Parker ahead of the 2014 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final: "My body is in NYC but my heart is in Donegal. Let's take the All Ireland and Paddy, bring it home to Kilcar. From Sarah Jessica and her son James."{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=224540|title=Hollywood star supporting Donegal|work=Hogan Stand|date=18 September 2014|access-date=18 September 2014}}

Under the management of Rory Gallagher, McBrearty started the opening fixture of the 2015 National Football League against Derry and scored 0–5 (two of which were frees) in what was his 46th appearance at the age of 21.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/gallagher-delighted-with-early-statement-as-mcbrearty-steps-up-30955450.html|title=Gallagher delighted with early statement as McBrearty steps up|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=1 February 2015|access-date=1 February 2015}} He scored 0–4 (including one free) against Dublin in the next game, at Croke Park.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0207/678583-dublin-v-donegal/|title=14-man Dublin too hot for Donegal to handle|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024424/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0207/678583-dublin-v-donegal/|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015}} He started the third fixture against Cork in Ballyshannon and contributed 0–3 (including one free) to the team's one-point victory.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0301/683666-donegal-v-cork/|title=Donegal edge out Cork in Ballyshannon|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302044802/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0301/683666-donegal-v-cork/|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-date=2 March 2015}} He started the fourth fixture against Monaghan and scored a point from a free.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0308/685474-donegal-v-monaghan/|title=Monaghan grind out result in dour encounter|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=8 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309041115/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0308/685474-donegal-v-monaghan/|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=9 March 2015}} He started the fifth fixture against Kerry at Austin Stack Park and contributed 0–4.{{cite news|first=Ian|last=O'Riordan|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/kerry-hold-nerve-and-donegal-in-tralee-spring-classic-1.2140604|title=Kerry hold nerve and Donegal in Tralee spring classic|work=The Irish Times|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015}} He started the sixth fixture against Tyrone and scored 0–1 (from a free).{{cite news|first=Orla|last=Bannon|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0329/690619-donegal-mayo/|title=Donegal make light work of Tyrone|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=29 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330075055/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0329/690619-donegal-mayo/|access-date=29 March 2015|archive-date=30 March 2015}} He started the seventh fixture against Mayo and scored 1–3 (including one free).{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Finnerty|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/stephen-griffin-leapfrogs-donegal-into-semis-322420.html|title=Stephen Griffin leapfrogs Donegal into semis|work=Irish Examiner|date=6 April 2015|access-date=6 April 2015}} Donegal qualified for the NFL semi-final. McBrearty started and scored 0–4.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/32277877|title=Football League Div 1 semi-final: Cork 4–11 0–19 Donegal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 April 2015|access-date=12 April 2015}}{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Moynihan|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/rampant-cork-rebels-rock-donegal-with-goal-rush-323621.html|title=Rampant Cork Rebels rock Donegal with goal rush|work=Irish Examiner|date=13 April 2015|access-date=13 April 2015}}

McBrearty started the 2015 Ulster Senior Football Championship final, scoring 0–6 (four of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Martin|last=Breheny|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/monaghan-beat-donegal-at-their-own-game-as-ulster-champions-dethroned-31387629.html|title=Monaghan beat Donegal at their own game as Ulster champions dethroned|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=19 July 2015|access-date=19 July 2015}} He had previously started the preliminary round against Tyrone (scoring 0–2), the quarter-final against Armagh (scoring 1–1) and the semi-final against Derry (scoring 0–2, one of which was a free).{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2015/0517/701756-donegal-tyrone/|title=Donegal edge Tyrone in tough Ulster battle|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=17 May 2015|access-date=17 May 2015}}{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0614/708056-armagh-v-donegal/|title=Donegal progress untested by Armagh|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=14 June 2015|access-date=14 June 2015}}{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0627/711074-derry-v-donegal/|title=Donegal forced to dig deep for Derry win|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=27 June 2015|access-date=27 June 2015}} McBrearty scored 1–1 in the 2015 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship qualifier defeat of Galway at Croke Park and started the next game against Mayo at the same venue.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Keane|url=http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0108151953-round-4b-brilliant-donegal-dismantle-galway/|title=Round 4B: Brilliant Donegal dismantle Galway|date=1 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020911/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0108151953-round-4b-brilliant-donegal-dismantle-galway/|access-date=1 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015}}{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Keane|url=http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0808151940-classy-mayo-outgun-sluggish-donegal/|title=Classy Mayo outgun sluggish Donegal|date=8 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924040406/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0808151940-classy-mayo-outgun-sluggish-donegal/|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015}}

McBrearty started the opening fixture of the 2016 National Football League away to Down and scored 1–3 (two of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Orla|last=Bannon|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/disastrous-return-to-division-one-for-down-as-donegal-run-riot-in-newry-34409831.html|title=Disastrous return to Division One for Down as Donegal run riot in Newry|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=30 January 2016|access-date=30 January 2016}} He started the second fixture against Cork, a ten-point win in Ballyshannon, contributing 0–4 (including two frees) to the team's victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/cork-donegal-football-2590154-Feb2016/|title=Cork crash to 10-point defeat as impressive Donegal go top of Division 1: Goals from Odhrán MacNiallais and Martin O'Reilly spurred Donegal to victory|publisher=The42.ie|date=7 February 2016|access-date=7 February 2016}} He started the third fixture against Mayo and scored 0–4 (three of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0228/771370-donegal-v-mayo/|title=Donegal march on beating Mayo|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=28 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016}} He started the fourth fixture, away to Kerry at Austin Stack Park, and scored 0–3 (all of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Leen|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/dogged-kerry-win-arm-wrestle-385967.html|title=Dogged Kerry win arm wrestle|work=Irish Examiner|date=7 March 2016|access-date=7 March 2016}} He started the fifth fixture against Roscommon and scored 0–6 (all frees).{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0313/774557-donegal-v-roscommon/|title=Rossies signal greater intent after win over Donegal|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=13 March 2016|access-date=13 March 2016}} He started the sixth fixture away to Dublin at Croke Park and scored 0–3 (including one free).{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Keane|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/donegal-turn-blind-eye-to-james-mccarthy-incident-389772.html|title=Donegal turn blind eye to James McCarthy incident|work=Irish Examiner|date=28 March 2016|access-date=28 March 2016}} He started the seventh fixture away to Monaghan in Castleblayney and scored 0–2 (including one free).{{cite news|first=Colm|last=Shalvey|url=https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/allianz-last-gasp-monaghan-avoid-relegation/|title=Allianz FL D1: Last gasp Monaghan avoid relegation|date=3 April 2016|access-date=3 April 2016}} Donegal qualified for the NFL semi-final. McBrearty also started this game, scoring 0–8 (five of which were frees).{{cite news|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/article/index/253360|title=FL1 semi-final: dazzling Dubs demolish disappointing Donegal|work=Hogan Stand|date=10 April 2016|access-date=10 April 2016}}

McBrearty started the 2016 Ulster Senior Football Championship final, scoring 0–3 (two of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0717/802984-tyrone-donegal/|title=Late scores help Tyrone to Ulster title|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=17 July 2016|access-date=17 July 2016}} He had previously started the quarter-final against Fermanagh (scoring 0–3, including one free), the semi-final against Monaghan (scoring 0–5 (three of which were frees) and the semi-final replay against the same opposition (scoring 0–4).{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0612/795019-fermanagh-v-donegal/|title=Odhran Mac Niallais brace powers Donegal into Ulster semi-finals|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=12 June 2016|access-date=12 June 2016}}{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0625/798203-donegal-1-11-monaghan-0-14/|title=Monaghan and Donegal draw in Ulster thriller|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=25 June 2016|access-date=25 June 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/36682148|title=Ulster SFC semi-final replay: Donegal 0–17 Monaghan 2–10|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2016|access-date=2 July 2016}}

McBrearty scored eleven points in Donegal's 2016 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory over Cork at Croke Park. McBrearty's eleven-point tally went down as the highest total of individual scores recorded by a Donegal player in the same game; Michael McLoone (1966) and Seamus Bonner (1974) jointly hold the record for highest score in the same match.{{cite news|first=Gareth|last=Reynolds|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/sport/212652/mcbrearty-display-can-breed-confidence.html|title=McBrearty display can breed confidence|work=Donegal Democrat|date=5 August 2016|access-date=5 August 2016}} The Irish Times described McBrearty's display as "stunning" and noted that he had helped Donegal become the first Ulster team to reach six consecutive All-Ireland quarter-finals, a record previously only reached by Kerry, Dublin and Cork.{{cite news|first=Malachy|last=Clerkin|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/stunning-patrick-mcbrearty-display-sees-donegal-take-down-cork-1.2740715|title=Stunning Patrick McBrearty display sees Donegal take down Cork|work=The Irish Times|date=30 July 2016|access-date=30 July 2016}} He scored 0–3 (two of which were frees) in that quarter-final.{{cite news|first=Dermot|last=Crowe|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/stuttering-dubs-show-their-fallibility-34944597.html|title=Stuttering Dubs show their fallibility|work=Sunday Independent|date=7 August 2016|access-date=7 August 2016}}

McBrearty started the opening fixture of the 2017 National Football League against Kerry and scored 0–4 (three of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.the42.ie/kerry-donegal-division-1-3224023-Feb2017/|title=Geaney at the double as Kerry achieve first opening round league win under Fitzmaurice|publisher=The42.ie|date=5 February 2017|access-date=5 February 2017}} He started the second fixture away to Roscommon, contributing 0–2 (one of which was a free) to the team's victory.{{cite news|first=Declan|last=Rooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2017/0212/852085-donegal-prevail-late-on-against-roscommon/|title=Donegal prevail late on against Roscommon|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=12 February 2017|access-date=12 February 2017}} He made a second-half substitute appearance against Monaghan in the sixth fixture and scored 0–2.{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/late-escape-for-monaghan-as-donegal-pay-penalty-446248.html|title=Late escape for Monaghan as Donegal pay penalty|work=Irish Examiner|date=27 March 2017|access-date=27 March 2017}} He made another substitute appearance in the seventh fixture against Mayo.{{cite news|first=Colm|last=Gannon|url=https://www.the42.ie/mayo-donegal-report-3320260-Apr2017/|title=Aidan O'Shea's late introduction proves decisive as Mayo see off Donegal to avoid relegation|publisher=The42.ie|date=2 April 2017|access-date=2 April 2017}}

McBrearty made a second-half substitute appearance in the 2017 Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final victory against Antrim and scored 1–2 (both points were frees).{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.the42.ie/donegal-antrim-report-3401111-May2017/|title=Paddy McGrath among the goalscorers as Donegal blitz Antrim to advance in Ulster|publisher=The42.ie|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}} He started the semi-final loss to Tyrone and scored 0–6 (including four frees).{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/tyrone-destroy-donegal-to-claim-place-in-ulster-final-794093.html|title=The pendulum has swung decisively in Tyrone's favour in the battle of Ulster's giants following a runaway win at Clones|work=Irish Examiner|date=18 June 2017|access-date=18 June 2017}} He started the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship qualifier defeat of Meath at Páirc Tailteann and scored 0-7 (three of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Keane|url=https://www.gaa.ie/football/gaa-football-all-ireland-senior-championship/meath-donegal/1059207/|title=Round 3A Qualifier: Donegal edge thriller|date=8 July 2017|access-date=8 July 2017}} He then started the qualifier loss to Galway at Markievicz Park and scored 0–6 (two of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Daragh|last=Small|url=https://www.gaa.ie/football/gaa-football-all-ireland-senior-championship/galway-donegal/1059215/|title=Round 4A Qualifier: Impressive Galway advance|date=22 July 2017|access-date=22 July 2017}}

McBrearty captained his club to the 2017 Donegal Senior Football Championship, scoring three points in the final. It was the first time his club had won the title in 24 years, having been defeated by Glenswilly at the same stage the previous year.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegalsporthub.com/end-result-matters-kilcar-final-win-naomh-conaill/|title=End result all that matters for Kilcar after final win over Naomh Conaill|date=15 October 2017|access-date=15 October 2017}}

Under the management of Declan Bonner, McBrearty started the opening fixture of the 2018 National Football League against Kerry in Killarney, scoring 0–10 (eight of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Fintan|last=O'Toole|url=https://www.the42.ie/kerry-donegal-football-3821091-Jan2018/|title=Casey hits winning point, O'Shea fires 0–7 and 3 red cards shown in Kerry Donegal clash|publisher=The42.ie|date=28 January 2018|access-date=28 January 2018}} He scored 0–9 (including six frees) in the next game against Galway.{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.the42.ie/galway-donegal-allianz-league-report-3833590-Feb2018/|title=Last-gasp Galway snatch victory in Donegal to make it two from two|publisher=The42.ie|date=4 February 2018|access-date=4 February 2018}} He scored 0–7 (four of which were frees) against Dublin.{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=O'Brien|url=https://www.the42.ie/dublin-donegal-report-3845428-Feb2018/|title=Dublin survive strong Donegal fightback to make it three wins from three|publisher=The42.ie|date=10 February 2018|access-date=10 February 2018}} He scored 0–4 (including one free) against Kildare.{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0225/943452-donegal-scrape-by-14-man-kildare-in-relegation-dogfight/|title=Donegal scrape by 14-man Kildare in relegation dogfight|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=25 February 2018|access-date=25 February 2018}} He missed the matches against Tyrone and Monaghan.{{cite news|first=Declan|last=Bogue|url=https://www.the42.ie/tyrone-v-donegal-report-3897125-Mar2018/|title=Two-goal Tyrone move closer to safety with big win over Donegal in Omagh|publisher=The42.ie|date=10 March 2018|access-date=10 March 2018}}{{cite news|first=John|last=Graham|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0318/948440-monaghan-1-16-donegal-1-10/|title=Monaghan ease past relegation-threatened Donegal|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=18 March 2018|access-date=18 March 2018}} He then started against Mayo and scored 0–4 (two of which were frees).{{cite news|first=Colm|last=Gannon|url=https://www.the42.ie/mayo-donegal-division-1-draw-3923536-Mar2018/|title=McLoughlin's stunning 74th minute equaliser sees Mayo survive the drop and Donegal suffer relegation|publisher=The42.ie|date=25 March 2018|access-date=25 March 2018}}

In the 2018 Ulster Senior Football Championship, McBrearty scored eight points (six from play) as Donegal overcame Derry in their quarter-final encounter. He then scored six points in the semi-final victory over Down. In the final against Fermanagh, McBrearty was substituted in the 38th minute; it later emerged that he had suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the first half and this injury caused him to miss the rest of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0626/973314-mcbrearty-out-for-year-with-cruciate-injury/|title=McBrearty out for year with cruciate injury|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=26 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}}{{cite news|first=Sean|last=McGoldrick|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/donegal-dealt-a-devastating-blow-as-paddy-mcbrearty-is-ruled-out-for-the-season-37051114.html|title=Donegal dealt a devastating blow as Paddy McBrearty is ruled out for the season|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=26 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}} He still managed to score a point for his team in the final match.{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0624/972816-ruthless-donegal-end-fermanaghs-ulster-title-dream/|title=Energetic Donegal end Fermanagh's Ulster title dream|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=24 June 2018|access-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161155/https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0624/972816-ruthless-donegal-end-fermanaghs-ulster-title-dream/|archive-date=25 June 2018}}

McBrearty did not play a minute of the 2019 National Football League.{{cite news|first=Derrick|last=Lynch|url=https://www.the42.ie/donegal-clare-league-report-4462420-Jan2019/|title=Missing a host of regulars, Donegal come away from Clare with victory|publisher=The42.ie|date=27 January 2019|access-date=27 January 2019}}{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0202/1027139-donegal-1-13-meath-0-14/|title=Fortuitous goal sees Donegal come back to beat Meath|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2 February 2019|access-date=2 February 2019}}{{cite news|first=John|last=Fallon|url=https://www.the42.ie/tipperary-donegal-division-2-football-report-4486602-Feb2019/|title=Casey strikes late goal as Tipp come back to shock Donegal|publisher=The42.ie|date=10 February 2019|access-date=10 February 2019}}{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Campbell|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0224/1032501-fermanagh-rally-against-13-man-donegal-to-stay-unbeaten/|title=Fermanagh rally against 13-man Donegal to stay unbeaten in Division 2|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=24 February 2019|access-date=24 February 2019}}{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.the42.ie/donegal-v-armagh-2-march-2019-4521610-Mar2019/|title=Super sub Murphy makes decisive impact in narrow win for Donegal|publisher=The42.ie|date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019}}{{cite news|first=Denis|last=Hurley|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0316/1036817-cork-1-12-donegal-1-19-allianz-football-league/|title=Cork on brink of drop to Division 3 as Donegal power home|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=16 March 2019|access-date=16 March 2019}}{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Branigan|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0324/1038307-murphy-masterclass-fires-donegal-back-to-top-flight/|title=Murphy masterclass fires Donegal back to top flight|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=24 March 2019|access-date=24 March 2019}} This included missing Donegal's victory over Meath in the Division 2 final.{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=O'Brien|url=https://www.the42.ie/donegal-meath-division-2-final-report-4568833-Mar2019/|title=Murphy masterclass helps Donegal to Division 2 glory after comeback win over Meath|publisher=The42.ie|date=30 March 2019|access-date=30 March 2019}}

In the 2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship, McBrearty scored five points (two from play) as Donegal overcame Fermanagh in their quarter-final encounter. He scored three points (two from play) in the semi-final victory over Tyrone. In the final against Cavan, McBrearty scored five points (four from play) as Donegal claimed that season's provincial championship.{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/gaa/donegal-overcome-fermanagh-in-ulster-arm-wrestle-926804.html|title=Donegal overcome Fermanagh in Ulster arm-wrestle|work=Irish Examiner|date=26 May 2019|access-date=26 May 2019}}{{cite news|first=Francis|last=Mooney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0608/1054200-donegal-power-past-tyrone-to-make-ulster-decider/|title=Donegal power past Tyrone to make Ulster decider|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=8 June 2019|access-date=8 June 2019}}{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Sweeney|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0623/1057017-donegal-power-past-cavan-to-claim-ulster-title/|title=Donegal power past Cavan to claim Ulster title|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=23 June 2019|access-date=23 June 2019}}

McBrearty made his 100th appearance for Donegal against Meath in the 2019 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final.{{cite news|first=Shaun|last=Keenan|url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2019/07/14/listen-patrick-mcbrearty-marks-100th-donegal-appearance-with-victory-in-super-8s/|title=Patrick McBrearty marks 100th Donegal appearance with victory in the Super 8s|date=14 July 2019|access-date=14 July 2019}} He scored 1–6.{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=https://www.gaa.ie/news-archive/news/all-ireland-sfc-donegal-finish-strongly/|title=All Ireland SFC: Donegal finish strongly|date=14 July 2019|access-date=14 July 2019}}

Post-COVID disruption, play resumed behind closed doors on 18 October, McBrearty sustained an injury during a challenge match against Roscommon which left him unable to play in the remaining league games against Tyrone and Kerry in October 2020.{{cite news|first=Ryan|last=Ferry|title='Do-or-die' for Donegal|work=Donegal News|date=29 October 2020|page=64|quote=Donegal do have injury concerns going into the match [Ulster SFC quarter-final vs Tyrone]. Patrick McBrearty got injured in a challenge game against Roscommon and didn't feature in the league matches with Tyrone and Kerry… Eoghan McGettigan and Conor O'Donnell (St Eunan's) are also carrying knocks heading into the match and haven't been involved since the intercounty season resumed.}}{{cite news|first=Chris|last=McNulty|url=https://www.gaa.ie/news-archive/news/allianz-fl-d1-donegal-defeat-tyrone/|title=Allianz FL D1: Donegal defeat Tyrone|date=18 October 2020|accessdate=18 October 2020|quote=Donegal were without Patrick McBrearty, who limped out of a recent challenge game against Roscommon…}}

Sub versus Armagh in Ulster SFC semi and scored a point.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2020/1114/1178130-donegal-charge-out-of-the-traps-to-blow-armagh-away/|title = Donegal charge out of the traps to blow Armagh away|date = 14 November 2020|last1 = Campbell|first1 = Peter}}

In January 2023, McBrearty was appointed captain of the Donegal senior team ahead of the 2023 season.{{cite news|url=https://independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/paddy-mcbrearty-succeeds-michael-murphy-as-donegal-captain-for-2023-campaign-42287878.html|title=Paddy McBrearty succeeds Michael Murphy as Donegal captain for 2023 campaign|publisher=Irish Independent|first=Colm|last=Keys|date=15 January 2023|accessdate=15 January 2023}}

McBrearty was called up for Ireland ahead of the 2013 & 2015 International Rules Series against Australia.{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/gaelic-games/neil-mcgee-and-patrick-mcbrearty-confirmed-to-join-murphy-on-irish-panel-1-5563232|title=Neil McGee and Patrick McBrearty confirmed to join Murphy on Irish panel|work=Donegal Democrat|date=8 October 2013|access-date=8 October 2013}} He started the first Test at Breffni Park, then came on in the second Test at Croke Park to smash home the goal of that game, as Ireland romped to a record-breaking victory.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/international-rules/2013/1019/481455-ireland-australia/|title=Ireland 57–35 Australia|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=19 October 2013|access-date=19 October 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/international-rules/2013/1027/482957-rules/|title=Paul Earley hails Ireland's ruthless streak against Australia|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=27 October 2013|access-date=27 October 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/international-rules/2013/1026/482867-rampant-ireland-crush-aussies-at-croker/|title=Ireland 116–37 Australia|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=26 October 2013|access-date=26 October 2013}}

McBrearty is a former employee of construction recruitment firm, 3D Personnel.{{cite news|url=https://donegalnews.com/2021/05/what-happened-after-two-donegal-lads-left-secure-jobs/|title=What happened after two Donegal lads left secure jobs?|work=Donegal News|date=21 May 2021|accessdate=21 May 2021|quote=Former Donegal manager Rory Gallagher, now the Derry boss, works between their Belfast and Dublin offices while 2012 All-Ireland winners Paul Durcan and Patrick McBrearty are also former employees.}}

: As of match played 30 June 2024

;Donegal

• All-Ireland Senior Football Championship: 2012
• Ulster Senior Football Championship: 2011,{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} 2012,{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} 2014,{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} 2018, 2019 2024 and 2025

;College

• Ulster Vocational Schools: 2011, 2012
• All-Ireland Vocational Schools: 2011

;Country

• International Rules Series: 2013, 2015

;Club

• Donegal Senior Football Championship: 2017

;Individual

• All Star: 0
• Nominated (4) 2014,{{cite news|first=Fintan|last=O'Toole|url=https://www.the42.ie/allstar-football-2014-1711498-Oct2014/|title=11 for Kerry, 9 for Donegal, 9 for Dublin and 6 for Mayo in 2014 Allstar football nominees|publisher=The42.ie|date=8 October 2014|access-date=8 October 2014}} 2016,{{cite news|first=Conor|last=Heneghan|url=https://www.joe.ie/sport/here-are-the-gaagpa-football-all-star-nominations-for-2016-562843|title=Here are the GAA/GPA Football All-Star nominations for 2016|publisher=JOE.ie|date=1 October 2016|access-date=1 October 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://donegalnews.com/2016/10/three-donegal-players-get-all-star-nominations/|title=Three Donegal players get All Star nominations|work=Donegal News|date=6 October 2016|access-date=6 October 2016}} 2017,{{cite news|first=Fintan|last=O'Toole|url=https://www.the42.ie/dublin-mayo-football-all-stars-3607626-Sep2017/|title=13 for Dublin and 12 for Mayo in 2017 All-Star football nominations: Tyrone, Kerry, Kildare, Down, Roscommon, Armagh, Monaghan and Donegal also have nominees|publisher=The42.ie|date=21 September 2017|access-date=21 September 2017}} 2019{{cite news|first=Fintan|last=O'Toole|url=https://www.the42.ie/2019-gaa-all-star-football-awards-4826230-Sep2019/|title=13 players from Dublin as 11 counties feature in 2019 All-Star football nominations: Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, Tyrone, Meath, Roscommon, Armagh, Clare, Cavan and Cork also have nominees|publisher=The42.ie|date=27 September 2019|access-date=27 September 2019}}
• All Stars Young Footballer of the Year: 0
• Nominated (2) : 2012,{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/1002/340084-donegal-dominate-all-star-nominations-with-12/|title=Donegal dominate All-Star football nominations with 12 players selected|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=3 October 2012|access-date=3 October 2012}} 2014{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}
• Ulster Young Footballer of the Year Awards: 2011, 2012
• Ulster GAA Writers Association (UGAAWA) Cormac McAnallen Young Achiever: 2011, 2012{{cite news|first=Chris|last=McNulty|url=https://donegalnews.com/2012/12/donegal-take-the-top-writers-awards/|title=Donegal take the top writers' awards|work=Donegal News|date=12 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2012|quote=Patrick McBrearty picked up his second Young Achiever of the Year award in succession…}}
• Donegal Footballer of the Year: 2017{{cite news|url=https://donegalgaa.ie/2017/11/07/donegal-gaa-annual-award-winners-details-of-the-awards-banquet/|title=Donegal GAA Annual Award Winners & Details of the Awards Banquet|date=7 November 2017|accessdate=7 November 2017}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://archive.today/20130127193439/http://www.kilcargaa.com/playerProfile/2670/t_t Profile] at CLG Chill Chartha
• {{Twitter|name=Paddy McBrearty}}

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{{s-bef|before = Michael Murphy}}

{{s-ttl|title = Donegal Senior Football Captain|years = 2023–present}}

{{s-inc}}

{{s-end}}

{{Donegal Football Team}}

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{{Donegal Football Team 2011}}

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{{CLG Chill Chartha squad}}

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{{Donegal Senior Football Champions 2017}}

{{2018 Club Football Team of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mcbrearty, Patrick}}

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:Men's association football players not categorized by position

Category:Donegal inter-county Gaelic footballers

Category:Finn Harps F.C. players

Category:Gaelic football forwards

Category:Gaelic footballers who switched code

Category:Irish international rules football players

Category:Kilcar Gaelic footballers

Category:St Catherine's F.C. players

Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's youth international footballers

Category:Winners of one All-Ireland medal (Gaelic football)

Category:Association footballers from County Dublin

Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen