It's a family affair for Jason Forde after switching to AUL club Dunbar Celtic

A CHANGE is as good as a rest.

From MSL to AUL, Jason Forde is enjoying a new challenge, playing at a level that is competitive but also enjoyable as he plays alongside his two brothers with a very talented Dunbar Celtic side.

Forde has been playing football with Ringmahon since the age of 12 apart from three years which the talented footballer played for Cork City. Although he has enjoyed a lot of success over the years and enjoyed his time playing at a high level, he felt a change was needed and the opportunity to play alongside his two brothers was a huge incentive.

His brothers Shane and Jack are key players for AUL side Dunbar Celtic and that is where Jason has decided to play for this season at least. Enjoying his time at the club, Jason is still very much driven and hoping for success with his new team.

“It’s been good with Dunbar so far I’m really enjoying playing football which is the main thing and even scoring a few goals which is always a good feeling,” said Jason.

“I had been with Ringmahon since I was 12 besides the three years I spent with Cork City so it was a tough decision to leave.

“I felt I wanted a change and after the Intermediate Cup semi-final I thought the best thing for me to do was join my brothers at Dunbar as I knew how serious they were at wanting to do well and I felt I could bring something to the team. Ringmahon are an unbelievable team and club who have a brilliant manager in Kieran O’Reilly and I’ve no doubt they will be successful this year.

“Playing football with my brothers was a big part of my decision to sign for Dunbar. Shane is the older brother and Jack is only 17 so for the three of us to play together for a season or however long is great really, as this doesn’t happen too often.

“They are both very good footballers themselves to be fair so between us we’ll definitely help each other and the team throughout the season.”

The 25-year-old from Togher has been a superb footballer throughout his career playing in many positions. He began his schoolboy playing days with Ballyphehane club Kilreen before moving to Ringmahon at U13 level.

While at Ringmahon he played on a great side which involved players such as Alan Browne, Eric Grimes, Roy Kenny and Anto O’Donnell to name a few. He enjoyed a lot of success while there and developed hugely as a player. From here he moved to Cork City which led to a lot more success for the underage International and here he tells us how football has given him so much joy over the years.

“I’ve been playing football for as long I remember and I have some fantastic memories. To be fair to my dad he brought me everywhere when I was younger and travelled up and down the country to get me to games and training. Whether it was the Kennedy Cup, Irish training, or Ringmahon training, he always brought me and that only broadened my love for the game.

“So now it is fantastic for him to be at the one venue to watch three of his sons play together.”

In 2011 the midfielder made a few appearances when Cork City won the first division, and although it was a fantastic experience for the youngster, he felt he needed more game time so he decided to leave the club.

“After Tommy Dunne left John Caulfield came in and I signed full-time for the first team. To be fair to John he gave me game time as much as he could but I just wanted to play every week.

“Around that time I got a phone call from Kieran O’Reilly, and he convinced me to sign back to Ringmahon and I have spent the last few seasons at the club.”

Jason’s signing for Dunbar came as a shock to many footballing people across the city, some saying he should be playing at a higher level. Although, Yes that is true, he, along with a few others on the squad could be playing at a higher level, but Jason was quick to praise the standard of his team and believes the intensity, competitiveness and ambition are equal to that of what he has been doing over the years.

“I’m not really pushed that people think I should be playing at a higher level because it’s still a decent standard at this level. Obviously, the Munster Senior League is a very strong and competitive league but I’m enjoying the football with Dunbar as we have a very strong team ourselves and I believe the standard has been high enough already this season.

“Training sessions are as great as any I have been used to doing over the years and with the large numbers at training, it has made the sessions very competitive which I love. This competitiveness and lads fighting for a starting 11 position, allows for training to be competitive yet enjoyable. There is a great team spirit and camaraderie which is fantastic to be part of.

“There is a great attitude amongst the squad. The aim is to just try win every game we play in. I don’t see why that shouldn’t be our aim considering the team and players that are there. Everyone gets along and it’s a good atmosphere and I am looking forward to how the season will unfold.”

I’m enjoying the football with Dunbar as we have a very strong team ourselves and I believe the standard has been high enough already this season.