The Rhode GAA Club held their presentation night and dinner dance on Saturday night in the Bridge House and it was a hugely successful occasion. They were welcomed to the event by club chairman Seamus Maguire, Fr. Greg then said grace before and after meals. Our newly elected chairman Seamus then addressed the function after which he introduced the special guest Kildare’s greatest ever footballer Johnny Doyle. Johnny proved to be a tremendous guest his speech was full of wit and it thrilled all in attendances. He then presented the medals to the Senior team of 2014 who won for the club its 26th title and reaching the Leinster club senior final where they were defeated by St. Vincent’s of Dublin and he also presented the medals to the victories parish Under 21 team St. Michael’s. There was also a special presentation on the night to the members from the club who were on the Offaly Minor team of 1964 who won the county’s first every football All-Ireland chairman Seamus presented Eugene Mulligan who was right-half back on the team, Jody Gunning was left-half forward and to the late Mick Byrne his nephew Paul Melia accepted his presentation. Eugene’s and Jody’s wife Patricia and Bridge were presented with flowers by Patricia McManus and Mary Hannon. After all the medal presentations team captain Paraic Sullivan gave a very detailed and humorous address. He then presented from the players a token to the management team of Pat Daly, Alan Kellaghan, Pauric Dunne, kit man Oliver Murphy and excellent physio Paula Reynold. On behalf on behalf of the county board secretary Tommy Byrne congratulated the club on its success and he thanked the club for its contribution to the county with players and officials. Last but not least to speak was team manager Pat Daly who thanked all for the occasion and hospitality. He thanked the players, team selectors and all involved in the management. Saturday night was a great night for the club and thanks is expressed to the following.
The dinner dance committee of John Glennon, Robbie Kellaghan, Mary Hannon, Patricia McManus and club chairman Seamus Maguire.
Johnny Doyle for being the special guest. Pat McManus and Robbie Kellaghan who helped out with the presentation of medals and the special presentation. County broad secretary Tommy Byrne and his wife Jacinta for their attendance and representing the county board. Our honoured guests of the Offaly 1964 Minor team and their wives.
Most important the members of the successful Senior and Under 21 their wives and girlfriends and family members a special well done.
A special thanks also to the members of the local press sports editor of the Tullamore tribune Kevin Corrigan and photographers. Tom Flynn for his excellent service and excellent club committee member Bill Glennon who helped with transport to and from the event. The Bridge House Hotel for the excellent meal and the tremendous organising of the presentation of the ballroom. Special thanks to Noel McCann who is so helpful in every way.
The Club would also like to thank Sarah McNamee for representing the club in the Offaly part of the Rose of Tralee which also took place on Saturday night in the Bridge House. Sarah is brother of Rhode Senior player Garrett McNamee and daughter of James and Audery McNamee of Ballybryan.
Offaly Senior footballers play Longford in the 6th round of the league in Pearce Park Longford and a win here would see Offaly gain promotion from division 4.
Offaly senior hurlers qualified for the quarter final of the national hurling league when they secured a 2-17 to 0-19 win over Antrim.
Division 1 League Rhode v Ferbane in Rhode on Friday at 8pm.
There was no winner of the Rhode GAA Lotto for the week ending 16th of March for a Jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3 7 23 30 The club would like to thank all those who supported the draw and thanks to O’Toole’s for the use of their premises and for their help and cooperation. The following matched three numbers and received €70 each
Eugene Murphy, Ballyburley Rhode
Jade Quirke, Priory Lawns Rhode
Niall O’Toole, Rhode
The Rhode GAA Lotto is the main source of income the club has and now you can play online though our website. The good news is when you play the lotto online you are entitled to free draws, for example pay for seven draws receive the eighth one free, pay for fourteen draws receive two free and so on. In other words, the more you play the more free draws you are entitled to!!
Membership of the Club is now due and can be paid to any of the committee members. Fee’s are the same as last year which are as follows
Players and Insurances €50
Family €50
Adult €25
O.A.P €5
Membership can be paid to Patricia McManus, Mary Hannon, Ger Hynes, Fionnuala Hickey, Seamus Maguire, Jody Kilmurray, James Murphy, John Glennon, Tracey Murphy and Cathal Smyth. Membership remains open until 31st of March.
