I know his decision to retire will be discussed on the Donegal thread. But I thought this man deserved a thread to himself. He has been an iconic footballer for Donegal and the GAA in general for the last 14 years. One of the rare players who made their senior debut the same day as they appeared for the minors.
He suffered two bad knee injuries which ultimately led to his early retirement. It's hard to believe he's still only 32. But when he was in his prime, he was a hard man to pin down. Teams knew all about his left foot, but stopping it was another thing. One of the best examples I can think of is when we played Derry in one of the Covid championship games. The teams were level going into injury time, and Rory Gallagher's screams of "LEFT! LEFT! LEFT!" could be clearly heard. As good a marker as Chrissy McKaigue is/was, he was still powerless to prevent Paddy booming over a late winner.
It's a pity he couldn't have signed off with one more All Ireland win, and as captain. But it wasn't to be. He still leaves the stage as Donegal's most successful player. His influence and ability will be sorely missed.
Replying To Lockjaw: "I know his decision to retire will be discussed on the Donegal thread. But I thought this man deserved a thread to himself. He has been an iconic footballer for Donegal and the GAA in general for the last 14 years. One of the rare players who made their senior debut the same day as they appeared for the minors.
He suffered two bad knee injuries which ultimately led to his early retirement. It's hard to believe he's still only 32. But when he was in his prime, he was a hard man to pin down. Teams knew all about his left foot, but stopping it was another thing. One of the best examples I can think of is when we played Derry in one of the Covid championship games. The teams were level going into injury time, and Rory Gallagher's screams of "LEFT! LEFT! LEFT!" could be clearly heard. As good a marker as Chrissy McKaigue is/was, he was still powerless to prevent Paddy booming over a late winner.
It's a pity he couldn't have signed off with one more All Ireland win, and as captain. But it wasn't to be. He still leaves the stage as Donegal's most successful player. His influence and ability will be sorely missed.
Go raibh míle maith agat a Phádraig!"
Great footballer. I loved watching him play except against Galway of course. lol. Best of luck to him in future.
Very good footballer, But i dont think he ever reached the top top level that i taught he would when he first came on the scene at 17/18. Injuries played their part no doubt.
Replying To Lockjaw: "I know his decision to retire will be discussed on the Donegal thread. But I thought this man deserved a thread to himself. He has been an iconic footballer for Donegal and the GAA in general for the last 14 years. One of the rare players who made their senior debut the same day as they appeared for the minors.
He suffered two bad knee injuries which ultimately led to his early retirement. It's hard to believe he's still only 32. But when he was in his prime, he was a hard man to pin down. Teams knew all about his left foot, but stopping it was another thing. One of the best examples I can think of is when we played Derry in one of the Covid championship games. The teams were level going into injury time, and Rory Gallagher's screams of "LEFT! LEFT! LEFT!" could be clearly heard. As good a marker as Chrissy McKaigue is/was, he was still powerless to prevent Paddy booming over a late winner.
It's a pity he couldn't have signed off with one more All Ireland win, and as captain. But it wasn't to be. He still leaves the stage as Donegal's most successful player. His influence and ability will be sorely missed.
Go raibh míle maith agat a Phádraig!"
Top player.
He will be missed by Donegal and neutral fans alike.