Paddy McBrearty's retirement was 'shock' for Donegal panel

Donegal's Ciarán Thompson is set to miss his county's league campaign due to an ACL tear he suffered during the All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry

Ciarán Thompson on Paddy McBrearty: "He will be really hard to replace, a great character; he didn’t mince his words." Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ciarán Thompson is set to miss Donegal’s 2026 league campaign due to the ACL tear he suffered in the All-Ireland defeat against Kerry.

The Naomh Conaill man came off in the first half of the decider last July and missed the entire club campaign. Speaking at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup 2026, Thompson said he is targeting the championship for a return to action.