The late Peter Jones There was a huge air of sadness over Rhode Village when the news broke through of the death of Peter Jones after a long illness. Peter was one of the most respected and revered people in Rhode during his 74 years on this earth. First and foremost, he was a great father and husband to his wife Ann and family Paul, Peter, Geraldine and Jan. Peter was a great man to meet, wether it be at a match, or his work at ESB Rhode, on his farm, or in one of the hostelries in the village. A tremendous character of great wit, he was a tremendous conversationalist who could discuss most topics and he would be very definite in his opinions. He was also a great man for a song and his rendering of "Noreen Bawn" and some of the local songs were legendary. To Rhode and Offaly GAA he gave total loyalty. From a very young age, he was involved with Gaelic football in Rhode and played at under-age level. At senior level, he really made his mark. He was part of the senior panel from 1949 to 1960 and he played in the senior finals of 1949, 1950, 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1958, where he made the Number two jersey his own. He was a member of the Rhode seven-a-side team in the fifties and early sixties, with Peter mainly playing in goals. His clashes with Noel "The Duke" Connell of Edenderry were legendary. The clashes were hard but fair and what makes Gaelic games so unique is that they were the best of friends off the field and workmates at the ESB station in Rhode. They would often be seen having a pint together. When his playing days were over, he became actively involved with the club minor level, where he served as Chairman. Peter was Vice-Chairman of the Rhode senior club for a number of years, and when Rhode formed a hurling team in the eighties, Peter was an excellent Chairman. He served a s selector on Rhode senior and Under 21 teams and was selector of the championship teams of 1967, 1966 and 1965, and under 21 teams of 1967 and 1975. He had a great passion for hurling, and would be present at Offaly playing in Croke Park or a club hurling match in Rath, along with his wife Ann. The parish of Rhode and indeed the whole county of Offaly have lost a great and loyal supporter. One of Peter's greatest hallmarks, whenever Offaly or Rhode played badly, is that he would never run down the team players. All at Rhode GAA Club send their deepest sympathy to the Jones family - his wife Ann, sons Peter, Paul, daughters Jan Byrne, Geraldine Davy and extended family. Peter was laid to rest in Rhode Cemetery. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Offaly Express 06/09/2006 Tweet

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