From the pitch to the Pacific: Sam Cooke kicks on at Resthaven

It’s hard not to get swept away by the adventurous spirit of Resthaven Fulham Gardens ‘Leisure Court’ Retirement Living resident Mr Samuel (Sam) Cooke.

Celebrating his 90th birthday earlier this year on 20 May, Sam moved to Australia from Ireland in 2019 and says that travelling, walking, and seeing things ‘bright side up’ have helped him live a long and healthy life.

Somewhat of a celebrity in his home country, Sam was a Premier League soccer player for one of the biggest clubs in Ireland, the Shamrock Rovers.

The third eldest among seven children, Sam was signed by a talent scout at the age of 11 to local club, Bulfin United.

‘I always loved playing soccer,’ Sam says. ‘As well as the game, I remember so vividly that I would get a slice of orange at half time, and it was gorgeous! The juice was so sweet. I can taste it now.’

Sam was 18 when he joined the Shamrock Rovers – Ireland’s most successful football club.

‘I signed with them for three years,’ Sam says. ‘It was a huge moment.’

Sam says one of the first things you would do on the field is trash-talk the opposition.

‘You would stand next to your player, throw an insult at him, and then he would insult you back,’ Sam says. ‘It’s all part of the game.’

Sam went on to play for Transport, Longford Town, Rialto and Anner United football clubs, retiring from the sport at age 36.

‘I was too old,’ Sam laughs. ‘What I wouldn’t give to be 36 years old now!’

Sam was also a noted singer, performing with some of the big names in Irish music and singing on the stages of high-profile venues.

Despite these major achievements, Sam says the best thing he ever did was to marry his wife, Rhona. The pair met when they were both working at Cahill and Co printers. Sam then went on to work in the print room of the Independent, becoming the Press Room Manager, printing the newspaper each workday, and The Herald on Sundays.

‘I was working with one of the older guys there (at Cahill and Co), and Rhona came walking past,’ Sam says. ‘My friend pointed her out, and that was it.’

Sam says he asked her out a few times before she said yes.

‘I took her to a dance, and that night I asked her if she would marry me,’ Sam says. ‘She said yes! That was our happily ever after for 50 years.’

Sadly, Rhona died at just 69 years old in 2012.

‘Rhona was a very private lady,’ Sam says. ‘Very different to me. We would go to a party, and she would want me to stay close. She just wanted to talk to me.’

The couple had three children. Their daughter, Elaine, now lives in Australia, and it was her relocation to Australia that prompted Sam to move.

‘Rhona and I wanted to come here together,’ Sam says. ‘But she wasn’t able to travel in the end. After she died, I visited each year for about three months, and then my daughter helped me put in for a Visa. I sold the house and packed my things into one suitcase to bring with me. I bought my unit here in the village, fully furnished. All I had to do was buy a TV!’

Sam says he has chosen well in moving to Resthaven ‘Leisure Court’ at Fulham Gardens.

‘I love it here,’ Sam says. ‘All the neighbours are very good, and I’ve made some really close friends. The companionship is great. Everyone here is kind, and there’s always plenty of things going on. I enjoy the exercise classes, Tai Chi, and bowls.’

Sam has now seen more of the country than many people who have lived here their whole lives.

‘I’ve done a trip in a campervan around Melbourne and Sydney and into the middle of the country, including to Coober Pedy, Port Augusta and Streaky Bay. We ate some lovely mussels at Streaky Bay. I enjoyed every minute,’ Sam says.

Sam has also expanded his love of football to AFL.

‘I only learnt the game after coming to Australia,’ Sam says. ‘I do the footy tipping as well, but I always end up near the bottom.’

Sam was recently honoured to cut the cake, alongside fellow resident Mr Frank Bevan, at the Resthaven 90th anniversary lunch.  Thank you for sharing your story, Sam!

Sam shares his birth year with Resthaven – celebrating 90 years in 2025!

We are honouring those turning 90 in our 90th year with a series of articles showcasing their stories – building a picture of life in South Australia over the decades. Click here to read more stories like Sam’s.