Mattie Forde: Former Wexford ace talks career, reaching an All-Ireland semi-final and adapting to modern Gaelic Football.
Mattie Forde: Former Wexford ace talks career, reaching an All-Ireland semi-final and adapting to modern Gaelic Football. By Steven Kelly Mattie Forde has been seen by many, to have been one of the finest footballers of his generation. Growing up in Ballyfad in north Wexford, the ace corner forward had a successful career with the Model county stretching back from his debut against Fermanagh in 1999, all the way to 2011. His ability to read the game and accuracy from play made him a household name throughout Ireland. So where did it all start? “I am from Ballyfad, it is in the very north of Wexford. The town is almost in Wicklow. Football was my first love. I am one of six in my family and we were all involved in sport. My older brother was also somebody I looked up to. I never imagined I would have played for Wexford. It wasn’t something I saw happening.” Having influences in his area was something which helped Forde immerse himself in Football. He loved playing the game but also educ...