As sure as night follows day, Tipperary will always be in the mix for the Liam McCarthy. They have appeared in 6 of the last 11 finals, and tasted victory on 3 occasions, interestingly, meeting their neighbours Kilkenny in every single one of those 6 finals. In a decade laden with success and a team full of heroes and sharp shooters, Jason Forde has emerged as their new scorer in chief in the past few months. His sniper-like accuracy from the dead ball, is an integral part of the forward threat the Premier County pose, but his ability to link up with other forwards is really what continues to help his stock rise. Amazingly, an All-Star has been elusive thus far. But having racked up a total of 1-29 in the first 3 games of this years Allianz League, the 27 year old may get his just rewards sooner than we think. This week we went to the Silvermines club, to go ClubSpotting with Jason Forde.
1. What are your first memories of your club Silvermines?
My earliest memories are being down in the field in Dolla playing parish leagues probably under 6’s. Then going to senior games with my dad. I can vaguely remember the Intermediate team winning the county final in '99, I would have only been 5.
2. Who were your sporting idols growing up?
Growing up I would have really looked up to Eoin Kelly he was the main man for Tipp in the early 'noughties' and he was putting up huge scores. The way he played the game and the roar from the crowd anytime he got the ball really stood out to me. Then being lucky enough to play with him and now have him as part of the coaching set up is a real plus and I’m learning loads from him.
3. What has been the proudest moment of your playing career?
From a county perspective it would be the 2019 All-Ireland it was a great year and after being beaten so comprehensively in the Munster Final and to come back and win it made it very special. For the club then I would say the 2012 Munster Intermediate Final was a really special day for the club and the first time winning that competition so that will always stick out for me.
4. Toughest opponent you have faced?
The toughest opponent I have faced I would say is Paul Murphy, he was physically very strong and fast so there was never an easy ball won. I have marked him a few times down through the years and it was always a huge challenge coming up against him.
5. Best Player you have played with?
I’ve been lucky to play with a lot of great players so it’s hard to pick just one but from a forwards perspective, Seamie Callanan is hard to look past. His goal scoring record is phenomenal and seeing how hard he works to put himself in those positions has been a real eye opener.
6. Any pre game rituals or superstitions?
I wouldn’t say I’ve any real rituals as such but I always try and make sure I’ve a new grip (orange) for a championship match. Then just making sure I’ve carb loaded the day before and I’m ready to go.
7. What are your hopes and ambitions for 2021?
For 2021 I hope to stay fit throughout the year and really just enjoy being back out on the field with the opportunity to play. We will be doing all we can to try and be as successful as we can and hopeful that leads to some silverware.
What is ClubSpot?
ClubSpot offers a wide range of features to ease the burden on volunteers in sports clubs and to help clubs increase their revenues. With a wide range of features, online payment and a customised Club App included.
For more information or to arrange a product demonstration for your club contact info@clubspot.app.