Jason Forde - The quiet man to drive a Tipperary resurgence

Imagine a Tipperary-themed table quiz. The kind of fundraiser a supporters' club might throw in Boston or Borrisoleigh.

Naturally, there's a picture round. They’re all recent multiple All-Ireland winners you’re told.

There’s Eoin Kelly. There’s Lar Corbett. The Mahers, Paudie and Brendan. The McGraths, Noel and John. Seamie Callanan. But who’s that lad with the red hair?

Jason Forde is 29-years-old, has been hurling at senior level for over a decade, and is arguably now the most important player on Liam Cahill’s team.

He hit 1-06 from play and nine placed balls in the Premier County’s recent league win in Kilkenny, the goal hammered past Aidan Tallis.

Jason Forde adds to his first-half tally with a fantastic goal for Tipperary. pic.twitter.com/KeXgHxItsG

But the Silvermines sharpshooter does not seek the limelight and has taken the scenic route to the top, which perhaps explains his somewhat low profile.

Two-time All-Star Shane McGrath, from neighbouring Ballinahinch, was winding up his Tipperary career just as Forde’s was getting going.

"He would be a quiet guy by his nature," he tells RTÉ Sport. "He wouldn’t be saying too much in the dressing-room, not while I was there anyway.

"He’s a very clever guy, very well spoken but he wouldn’t be roaring or bawling in the dressing-room or spending too much time on social media. I think he likes to do his talking on the field.

"I think there’s a massive respect for him among the group. Paudie [Maher] has come in with the new management. He would have marked him in training, knows the ability he has. I think they are looking at him as one of their leaders this year.

"If the bit we have seen him play in the league is anything to go by, I think he’s going to have a great year. He’s really