Career
Raised in Killeavy, near Newry, McDonnell played in the full-forward line for his home club Killeavy Street Moninna"s Global Assembly Cache and for the Armagh senior football panel. The highlight of his career was his team"s All-Ireland winning victory over Kerry by a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-14 in the 2002 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final in Croke Park, where he kicked the winning point. He also received the first of his three All-Stars for his performances that year.
In 2010 he captained Armagh to a National Football League Division 2 title after beating Down in the final in Croke Park.
In 2010 he was also named captain of the Ireland International rules team In 2011 he became the first ever player in the history of the International rules to score over 100 points.
He finished his International career with a tally of 118 points. On 12 April 2012 he announced his retirement.
