All-Ireland winner to lead Rhode parade

The Rhode St Patrick's Day parade committee has confirmed that Martin Heavey will act as Grand Marshal of this year's event.

An All-Ireland winner with the Offaly footballers in 1971/72, Martin has been an influential member of the Rhode community over the years. In addition to his GAA involvement, he has been strongly associated with St Vincent de Paul.

The Rhode parade will take place on Friday, March 17 at 10am. It will start on the power station road and will make its way into Rhode village, with all households along the route encouraged to decorate their homes with bunting and flags.

The parade committee said it was hoping for another special event in Rhode on St Patrick's Day, but added that this cannot be achieved without the help of local organisations, businesses and clubs.