Patrick McBrearty played pivotal part in bringing back special days

On the day after Donegal limped out of the 2023 championship, Patrick McBrearty  led a player-delegation to Jim McGuinness’ door.

Patrick McBrearty of Donegal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Meath and Donegal at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

He may not be a starting captain, but if Patrick McBrearty gets to lift the Sam Maguire on Sunday evening there will be little doubt about how profound his impact will have been on getting Donegal over the All-Ireland line.

It is not so much what he has done coming from the bench - he has nailed 0-5 from play in his last two appearances against Monaghan and Meath - but it is also his off the ball and off-the-pitch work that has brought them to this point.