McDonnell tips Armagh to turn 'hurt' into silverware

May 09, 2024

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney with his selectors Ciaran McKeever, Kieran Donaghy and Conleith Gilligan. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Steven McDonnell says Armagh’s recent poor record in finals can drive them to Ulster SFC glory on Sunday.

Kieran McGeeney’s side have already lost this year’s Allianz League Division 2 final to Donegal, while they also lost last year’s provincial decider to Derry on penalties, less than a year after their All-Ireland SFC semi-final penalty shootout defeat to Galway.  

"They've got a crop of players now that are really hungry to finally get across the line on Ulster final day," the 2002 All-Ireland winning forward told The GAA Social.

"Rewind the clock 25 years and we were probably in a similar position with Geezer [Kieran McGeeney], John Rafferty, Cathal O'Rourke probably the elder statesmen of the team and when we got to that Ulster final there was a serious desire to win it.

"I know last year Armagh had a great chance to kick on, especially in extra-time, but the hurt from last year will help them.

"Also the fact they lost the league final to Donegal this year, that will help them.

"I'd be more concerned if they'd won that game. They probably would have been a bit more arrogant going into the match, but they know they have a hell of a battle ahead of themselves."


Most Read Stories