Chris Lawn missed the National League campaign through injury

Tyrone defender Chris Lawn won't need any Joe Kernan-like motivational talks to inspire him for Sunday's Bank of Ireland Ulster Football final.

The Moortown man acknowledges that his Red Hand career is drawing towards a close so he may not have too many more chances to run out at Clones on Ulster final day.

"It's very easy to get motivated especially at my age because there's not going to be very many more opportunities," says Chris.

"There's no better feeling that going out on Ulster final day in front of a big crowd at Clones. There's always a great buzz".

Lawn may be in the autumn of his intercounty career but he remains a very important part of Mickey Harte's plans.

The veteran was sidelined by a groin problem for nearly all of Tyrone's National League campaign but once fit, it was always anticipated that he would return to the starting line-up.

The Moortown clubman was unlucky to miss out on an Allstar award last year when he played the best football of his career.

The training compared to 10 years ago is so different Chris Lawn

Despite his immense experience, Lawn insists that he is still learning how to become a better player.

In fact, he says that the younger members of the squad are often the best teachers.

"It's a great experience to play with those bunch of young players who all came up from minors.

"The training compared to 10 years ago is so different so they bring a level of fitness, skill and technique which I'm still learning from - even at this stage of my career".

Lawn also feels that the younger players have brought an increased confidence into the Red Hand panel.

"Those young fellows have been winning at minor and U21 level and anybody will tell you that winning is a great habit.

"I've been involved in a few defeats down the years but hopefully these young fellows won't experience getting beaten for a while yet".

Meanwhile, Monaghan GAA is mourning the death of county treasurer Paddy O'Rourke.