Armagh manager Peter McDonnell insists that Down are favourites going into Sunday's Ulster SFC semi-final at Clones. And while the bookies might not agree with him, McDonnell feels the Mournemen's two-game tussle with reigning champions Tyrone has given them the upper hand. "Seeing teams like Fermanagh and Wexford and Down win is great for everyone concerned," the primary school principal said. "It is definitely the 'year of the underdog' and we will gladly carry that tag into Clones on Sunday. "Down had to work very hard the first day to retrieve the situation and were then unlucky not to get the win. But the rematch was very competitive and, in marked contrast to our own game (against Cavan), Down have certainly been exposed to the fire and brimstone of Ulster championship this summer. "The most important thing for any team is to find out whether individuals, under real pressure, can deal with the demands and the soul-searching and questions that none of their training really asks them. "The truth is that Down have been there already and had those questions answered but we haven't. And if there's one thing that the results of recent weeks have shown it's that all the early-season hype and scrutiny about players and managers, and their championship credentials, is a complete waste of time!" Tweet

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