'Hurt from 2023 will help Armagh in Ulster final'

Steven McDonnell believes Armagh skipper Aidan Forker will lift the Anglo-Celt Cup on Sunday afternoon

Armagh legend Steven McDonnell says the current squad's pain from losing last year's Ulster final will help drive them to victory over Donegal in this weekend's decider.

The Orchardmen endured agony 12 months ago when they lost to Derry in a penalty shootout after the sides finished level at the end of extra-time.

Armagh have also lost shootouts to Galway and Monaghan in recent years while they were edged out by Donegal in this year's Division Two final at Croke Park.

But speaking on The GAA Social, 2002 All-Ireland winner McDonnell said the hurt of defeats on big days will benefit Kieran McGeeney's side in Clones on Sunday.

"They've got a crop of players now that are really hungry to finally get across the line on Ulster final day," said three-time All-Star McDonnell.

"Rewind the clock 25 years and we were probably in a similar position with Geezer [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."

Armagh have 'better footballers'

Donegal have been rejuvenated by Jim McGuinness' return as manager, following up their Division Two title win by knocking Derry and Tyrone out of the Ulster Championship.

But Killeavy man McDonnell, who kicked the winning point in the 2002 All-Ireland final win over Kerry, still believes Armagh have "better footballers".

"Jimmy McGuinness has done a serious job in a short space of time, nine or 10 months, and has Donegal back in an Ulster final," added McDonnell.

"I just think Armagh have better footballers overall. Donegal have seriously talented footballers.

"Armagh are probably a wee bit more advanced in terms of the progression they've made over the last couple of years."

McDonnell represented Ireland in six International Rules series against Australia

In a wide-ranging interview on The GAA Social, McDonnell also opened up about losing his mother to Alzheimer's and reminisced on a decorated inter-county career which included seven Ulster title wins as well as his Celtic Cross from 2002.

In addition to a distinguished 13-year career with the Orchard, McDonnell excelled in the International Rules arena with Ireland and he has called on the GAA to revive the series and stage it in the United States.

McDonnell, who played in six series against Australia, captained Ireland in 2010 and holds the competition record for scores with 118, says he is "convinced" there is a future for the Tests which have not been held since 2017.

"I'd love to see it back," he said.

"I'd love players with the physiques that modern day GAA players have to have the opportunity to go and represent their country.

"I think it's more balanced now. GAA players are stronger and more athletic."

He added: "I've often thought about this. 'How can you reignite this game?' But look at the Irish in America and the Australians in America. Take it to there and have sell-outs.

"Have one game in the West Coast and one on the East Coast and you'd sell out stadiums no problem over there. Halfway between Ireland and Australia.

"That's a way of reigniting it and there's no doubt you'd get 60 or 70,000 stadiums packed out over there."