Experience was key factor, says McDonnell

EXPERIENCE was the word on everyone’s lips as tea-time approached and Clones emptied faster than a school on the last day of summer. Armagh had it, Down didn’t. Simple as that.

The reality is less black and white. Obviously. After all, Benny Coulter and Dan Gordon have more history under their belts than, say, Finian Moriarty or Kieran Toner, but Armagh’s side is nonetheless riddled with guys who have stared into the abyss time and again and refused to blink.

When Martin O’Rourke was sent off Armagh were a man down with over half an hour to go and protecting a shaky lead against a side that scented blood.