Former Kerry GAA footballer and manager Mick O’Dwyer has passed away
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One of the best-known figures in GAA, Mick O'Dwyer, has sadly died at the aged of 88.
The Kerryman was born in the little village of Waterville, and went on to leave a lasting imprint on GAA as we know it.
The legendary player turned manager enjoyed a very successful GAA career, winning four All-Irelands while playing for Kerry and he was also awarded Footballer of the Year in 1969.
He also made a massive impact on the game as a manager, winning Kerry eight All-Irelands between 1975 and 1986. After 15 years of managing Kerry, he left in 1990 to manage Kildare from 1991 to 1994.
In 1997, he was re-appointed to head the Lillywhites and won them their first Leinster title in 42 years.
He went on to manage Laois, Wicklow and Clare, achieving more success with those teams and revitalising the game.
He hung up his boots and retired from managing in 2013, after 38 wonderful years as an inter-county manager.
"From a distance I admired Mick O’Dwyer," GAA commentator Marty Morrisey said in an tribute for RTÉ. "I first made contact with him in 1989 when Cork's Castlehaven played St Senan's Kilkee in the Munster Club football final in Killarney.
"I was starting off my broadcasting career with Clare FM so I took a chance and I rang Mick O'Dwyer, asking him would he join me on commentary from Fitzgerald Stadium.
"He hadn't a clue who I was, while he was a real life legend. He said 'yes' immediately to me and for the next 36 years, we have been great friends. He has been sick for some time but I miss his smile, his bit of roguery, his chats on the phone and his great knowledge of Gaelic football.
"He was unique. His legacy and achievements will last forever. His contribution to the counties he coached will never be forgotten."
In his private life, 'Micko', as he was known, was a successful businessman. He was a hotelier, a mechanic and an undertaker in his native Kerry.
His first wife Mary Carmel passed away in 2012 and his son Michael (Haulie) died in 2022 following a short illness. He has three surviving sons: John, Robbie and Karl.
He is also survived by his second wife, Geraldine McGirr from Tyrone, who he married in 2023 at the age of 86.