Patrick McBrearty points to Donegal's depth after win over Derry

Patrick McBrearty believes that the Donegal squad this year is stronger than ever.

The Kilcar man scored seven points as Donegal defeated Derry 1-25 to 1-15 in the Ulster SFC preliminary round.

McBrearty shook off a calf injury to play a lead role from the start - having not initially been named to play - at MacCumhaill Park.

Jason McGee saw his first action of 2025 off the bench with Oisin Gallen and Jamie Brennan also used as subs while Michael Langan did not feature and the injured Eoghan Ban Gallagher was absent from the squad.

A veteran of Jim McGuinness’s first stint as Donegal manager, McBrearty is now the captain.

“There has been a lot of hype around the county, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. 

“Even conversations with people in your own parish or wherever you go in the county, obviously with Jim back and Michael (Murphy) back in the fold, obviously that will bring big attention. 

“Our lads have dealt well with it. They have shielded themselves and they have a response for everything and it doesn’t wear them out. I think they’re mature enough to deal with it.”

With McBrearty and Daire Ó Baoill doing the bulk of the scoring, contributing 1-11 between them, Donegal also had big displays from the likes of Finnbarr Roarty, Ciaran Moore and Conor O’Donnell.

“We have a stronger squad,” he said. “We have more depth coming off the bench there. If you see some of the boys who didn’t get game time, the likes of Aaron Doherty and Michael Langan, that is a real big positive. There is really big competition the squad. Jim brings his own methodology and principles to it and they stay the same. 

“There is a good age profile there. Lads are able to have conversations themselves and they are really, really mature lads. They are really smart guys and it has been a seamless transition from under-20s to seniors.”

Asked if he believed this was the best squad he has played in, he replied: “I think it’s the biggest depth anyway.”

McBrearty only returned to training last Tuesday having torn a calf during the League game against Armagh. The 31-year-old landed six points in the second half to stave off any chances of a Derry comeback.

He said: “It didn’t look like I was going to get seven points at half-time when I had one point from a free. You’ve got to stay patient there. Daire gave me a couple of nice passes there and I just happened to be on the end of the moves.”

McBrearty admits that Donegal are keen to score more goals having netted just twice in the League.

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He said: “The numbers are very evident. I don’t think it’s a lack of chances, but maybe a lack of composure in front of goal. It’s something that we are talking about and something we are practising.”