McBrearty: 'Michael Hegarty is a good footballing man who encourages you to play'

Stephen McBrearty certainly led by example on the opening weekend of the All-County Football League Division 1.

The Kilcar forward was in impressive form as he hit a personal haul of 1-8 as they ran out winners on a 1-11 to 1-7 scoreline against St Eunan’s, in Michael Hegarty’s first match as manager in the competition.

Hegarty, who captained Donegal in 2002 and was an Ulster SFC winner in 2011, was as stylish a player as there was and will be looking to stamp that attacking mindset on a team most comfortable on the front foot, his native Kilcar.

“It was a good start as there’s no tougher game than St Eunan’s,” McBrearty, now 28, said afterwards. “We did well defensively too, so it was good to get up and running.

“We’d Ben Rafferty and Ryan Jones in. Some of us aren’t getting any younger at this stage so it’s good to see the young blood coming through. These are the sort of games you want to take them into. St Eunan’s are a good side and our lads had to show that they’re comfortable playing against the likes of them. I think they did that tonight.

“Michael Hegarty is a respected man in Kilcar and in the county as a whole really. He is a good footballing man who will encourage you to play football.”

McBrearty was modest about his own contribution, when his haul was also made up of a brilliantly-taken goal on 21 minutes, two from play and six frees.

“I was in the right place at the right time and there were a few frees,” he said. "I’m just happy to help out. Towney is a place we don’t lose too often and we’re always wanting to keep that.”

McBrearty, now in his 11th season with Kilcar's seniors, was content enough to take the responsibility on Saturday last as Kilcar posted an opening day win, ahead of a free weekend and then it will be a contest with plenty of eyes in the south-west upon, with Naomh Columba up in week three.

For their part, Naomh Columba could take positives from their second-half showing against Gaoth Dobhair, eventually going down 2-9 to 0-11, having limited their visitors to a solitary score - a goal from Stephen Donna McFadden - in the second half.

“I’ve never played against Naomh Columba in Division 1, and the last time the sides faced one another back in 2011 in Division 2,” McBrearty added. “There’s always a rivalry there and it’s an enjoyable one.”