Yahoo News “Armagh have better footballers” - Steven McDonnell backs Orchard County to end Ulster title drought against Donegal
Armagh legend Steven McDonnell thinks his county’s Ulster Championship drought will come to an end this weekend when they face Donegal in the provincial final at Clones.
The Orchard County won seven Ulster titles in 10 seasons from 1999 to 2008, yet that replay win over Fermanagh in ’08 was the last time they got their hands on the Anglo Celt Cup.
The current squad came agonisingly close 12 months ago when Rory Grugan had a kick to win the game, but his mark dropped short and Derry went on to retain their title after a penalty shootout.
Read more: Armagh vs Donegal: We want to win it for 'Geezer' says Orchard ace Paddy Burns
Donegal have since dethroned the Oak Leafers and they now stand in Armagh’s path on Sunday.
Speaking on the BBC’s GAA Social podcast, McDonnell, who was part of the aforementioned seven Ulster title-winning squads, claimed that Armagh have ‘better footballers’ than Donegal and tipped his native county to win in Clones.
"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,” said 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 feels there are similarities to the current squad and the pioneering 99 squad, who themselves ended an 17-year wait for an Ulster title.
"They've got a crop of players now that are really hungry to finally get across the line on Ulster final day,” added the former Footballer of the Year.
“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."
Meanwhile, McDonnell has also called on the GAA to revive the International Rules Series with Australia.
The Killeavy native captained Ireland in the series back in 2010, but the last game was 2017 and McDonnell feels bringing the series to America could give it a new lease of life.
"I'd love to see it back. I'd love players with the physiques that modern day GAA players have to have the opportunity to go and represent their country,” said McDonnell.
"I think it's more balanced now. GAA players are stronger and more athletic."
"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."
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