Rhode GAA Club
Bunaíodh Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, An Róid, i 1888,ceithre bhliain tar éis Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Náisiúnta a bheith bunaithe 1884.
With 29 senior football titles, Rhode are the most successful team in Offaly GAA history. The last two decades, from 2004 to 2019, have been particularly rewarding as they won 10 senior championships during this period — a truly remarkable achievement in the club’s history. Hopefully, this success will act as an incentive to keep our young footballers following the example their present day heroes.
The first recorded football match played by Rhode was on March 17th 1889 against Portarlington. The outcome was a defeat for Rhode. The first appearance for Rhode in an Offaly football final was in 1891. However, the match was unofficial and the facts about the match are unclear. Rhode’s first official final appearance was on July 21st 1900. It was also Rhode’s first championship win with the match ending Rhode 0–7, Daingean 0–2.
Since 1900, Rhode have won at least one senior football title every decade, except for a barren spell from 1975 to 1998, when the great Walsh Island and Ferbane teams reigned supreme in Offaly. At underage level, while not as successful as the bigger town clubs, it has enjoyed wonderful success over the last 40 years.
Likewise, our ladies football teams are well organised and their skill, commitment and dedication have reaped rewards, bringing home titles at various age groups over the last 30 years. Handball is played and enjoyed by many in the court at Fahy Cross. The club, though small, has enjoyed fantastic success over the years winning numerous Irish titles. Indeed, one of Fahy’s handball greats, Joe Masterson, has recently served his three year Presidency of The Handball Association of Ireland.
Rhode GAA Club boasts three full size pitches to cater for the growing demand of its members — from Warriors (4 years and upwards) to Senior. Training times are booked for the various age groups in order to streamline and accommodate our increasing numbers, male and female. The middle pitch is flood lit, enabling matches to be played at night. It also has a walking track around the perimeter, affording members another option of staying fit and healthy in a safe environment.
The club is the heartbeat of our community, leading the way in helping all other local organisations and inclusive of all in our community. It is without doubt “the leader of all, but the servant to all”. Rhode GAA club is the glue that keeps everyone close and together — player, administrator, supporter. Followers of our club, living away from home follow the clubs activities and return to their native sod whenever there is anything to celebrate, be it on the field or a social gathering.
The club is currently embarking on an ambitious development of 4 new dressing rooms, handball court, meeting rooms, weights rooms, new car park area and many ancillary facilities. It is now in year two of this development and it is hoped that by year 4 this dream will become a reality. No doubt the club will rise to the occasion, and every cent raised towards this project will be invested in the future of the club. Mar a deir an seanfhocal: “Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin”. (There is no place like home). There is no place like Rhode.
“The grandest spot in Offaly is the village that’s called Rhode,
’Twas a place not far from there, I made my first abode.
And when I go back to Erin’s Isle, it’s the first place I will go
To meet the smiling faces of old friends I used to know”.
“A picture tell a thousand words”, see through video how this great club connects our wonderful community.