“It’s the topic of every conversation, especially this weather. Even all year: ‘How is Rhode going?’ It’s a big thing.”
Seamus McGuire, club chairman, speaks for much of the country when he describes the place the Offaly GAA club hold in the hearts of the parish.
With just 300 members, the small club from the Midlands have dominated the Offaly football scene of late and Sunday head into their fifth AIB Leinster senior club football final since 2006, still seeking their first victory.
Up against 2013 and 2014 champions, St Vincent’s, it is a tough task, but with a talent like Niall McNamee up front they have a hope.
Unfortunately for Rhode they will be without Anton Sullivan and Jake Kavanagh, two Irish soldiers currently on a tour of duty in Lebanon.
Not that they will be using that as an excuse.
“We have great belief in ourselves,” says manager Paschal Kelleghan. “We have great team spirit. We will leave everything on the field next Sunday.”
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