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Improving is everything for Aidan Forker

Aidan Forker is a key player for Kieran McGeeney's Armagh team.

Aidan Forker is a key player for Kieran McGeeney's Armagh team.

By Michael Devlin

“The best treasure a man can have is a sparing tongue” Hesiod, Work and Days.

Not many GAA players apply the teachings of ancient Greek poets to their sporting outlook, but then again, not many GAA players are like Aidan Forker.

“Up to this year I was a lot more vocal in the team, that might surprise my teammates as sometimes I can’t help myself, but I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best things are left unsaid,” said the versatile Armagh man.

“I’ve been reading 12 Rules of Life by Jordan Peterson, and one of his things is to ‘be precise with your speech’. It’s something I’ve discussed with Ciaran Kearney, a sports psychologist when I was at St Mary’s College, Belfast, how you speak and articulate and how much words matter, in what you say inside your mind and what you say to others. I’ve been working a lot with Hugh Campbell on the mental side of the game a lot more, he’s fantastic.

“I don’t really post on social media anymore, because I think there are better ways to address what you have to say.”

Even the ideology of ‘stoic philosophy’, which teaches ‘the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions’, has been food for thought for Forker in terms of improving his discipline on the field, which he acknowledges have let him down before.

It’s clear the Maghery native’s unique appetite for knowledge stretches far beyond would be typical of your average inter-county player. A primary school teacher by profession, Forker is an avid reflector in notebooks and diaries, continuously jotting down notes on ideas and thoughts he picks up along the way.

He also is a frequent podcast listener, taking in the recordings of Tim Ferriss and Joe Rogan, whose diverse topics range from fitness to business to politics to philosophy. “Listening to podcasts and reading has profoundly impacted how I perceived things. I was never a big reader in school myself, but now as a teacher, it’s something I highly encourage now.

“They are life stories, and they rub off on you. While they are global ideas, I try to apply them to my own life here at home. If I can impact other people, I’ll pass that on.”

Forker is now in his seventh year in the Armagh panel, and while still just 26 years old, it’s fair to say he is very much a senior player within in the setup. He believes the onus is on him to stand up as a mature figure in Kieran McGeeney’s squad.

“I was lucky enough to get a start in my first year. I’m 26 now, so I suppose I’d be seen as an older player. When I came in there were the likes of Ciaran McKeever and Finian Moriarty, they were leaders to me. I try to exhibit the same leadership.”

2018 has been up and down for Armagh. Big efforts were made to gain league promotion back to Division Two, and they did so, defeating Fermanagh 1-16 to 0-17 in the final at Croke Park back in March.

Aidan Forker and Ryan McShane following the Allianz Football League Division Three Final win over Fermanagh at Croke Park.

Aidan Forker and Ryan McShane following the Allianz Football League Division Three Final win over Fermanagh at Croke Park.

It was to be a dress rehearsal for the pairs’ Ulster SFC clash in Brewster Park on May 19, however this time Rory Gallagher’s men prevailed to send the Orchard County crashing out at the first hurdle. “We made a big push for the league this year. We had a bit of a debrief on what happened since 2014 when we beat Tyrone. They have pushed on well since then, but in terms of us, we have been on the wrong side of results. That’s our responsibility.

“This season we focused on the League, and had some good standout performances. We started slow in a few games, but our scoring ability and defensive performances were been real positives.

“Against Fermanagh in the Championship, the favourite tag didn’t help us. What got us there, we needed to remember that we were not entitled, because when that happens you go soft.

“There was no physicality, and they bullied us. Teams can get ahead of you, and momentum in football is a crucial thing, it can swing both ways. It was very frustrating. Notes were taken and reviews were done, but after that you have to park it, and move on from there.”

McGeeney’s men looked like a different team when they ran out 11 point winners in a 3-16 to 1-11 victory over Westmeath in Round 1 of the qualifiers, and following victory over Sligo last weekend, they go into Saturday’s clash with Clare at Armagh’s Athletic Grounds with renewed confidence. Forker is well aware though of the threat Colm Collins’ side will pose.

“Clare will be a massive test, and it’s another step up. They’re a Division Two team, racking up big scores, like ourselves. They are a hurling county, but Colm Collins has changed the culture there with the footballers.”

Forker’s fresh outlook on the game is indicative of a happy, settled home life off the field, something he feels is vital within the current inter-county scene. Teaching at St John’s PS, Kingsisland, it’s a mere few miles away from his home in Maghery, where he lives with his partner Eimear and their two year old son, Leo.

“Everybody chips in. Eimear is a nurse so she works a lot in the evenings and nights. But her mum and dad, my mum and dad, they’re close by, and we are very grateful they can take Leo when I have training commitments.

“Teaching is good, obviously there is the nice holidays, but it’s good for Gaelic player in terms of training. They say Gaelic players’ families suffer the most, while I’m aware I get to go out and do what I enjoy, play football, so summer is nice as I get to spend more time at home. I’m definitely playing my best football. Away from football, your house has to be in order to play at the elite level.”

Elevating Armagh back to football’s top table is the goal, and while Forker is keen to play down talk of the All Ireland Quarter Final round robin series just yet, he feels it’s crucial that the Orchard County position themselves alongside the top teams.

“We’re trying to set high standards, and compare ourselves with other teams. Everyone that comes and plays us thinks they can beat us. We have to believe that we can become a top team. We have to work harder to get into that environment.

“Success isn’t linear, but we feel we are making strides. The sun is shining, the grass is dry, and we’re still in the Championship.” For Aidan Forker, improving is everything.