Clare GAA has paid tribute to the legendary Mick O’Dwyer who’s passed away at the age of 88.
The Waterville native won 12 All-Irelands in a distinguished career – 8 as a manager and 4 as a player.
‘Micko’ as he was affectionately known finished his managerial career with Clare in 2013 after successful stints at Kildare and Laois, whom he guided to Leinster Championship success and Wicklow who under his stewardship won the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2007, which was the second-tier All-Ireland Championship of the time.
In 2009, when Wicklow defeated Fermanagh, O’Dwyer became the first and remains the only manager to defeat every other county.
Clare GAA
Clare GAA wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mick O’Dwyer. Mick, who will be fondly remembered as an icon of Gaelic Football, managed the Clare Senior Footballers for the 2013 season. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
President Michael D Higgins
Mick O’Dwyer will be remembered as one of the greatest figures ever to be associated with Gaelic Games.
Micko, as he was affectionately known to all, was deservingly inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame in 2014. As both a player, and in particular as a manager, he was astonishing successful. The Kerry team which he led to eight All Ireland titles was one of the finest that Gaelic football has ever seen.
Beyond his native Kerry, Mick will be warmly remembered by the people of Kildare, Laois and Wicklow for the success which he subsequently brought to their counties, as well as for his contribution to Clare.
May I express my deepest sympathies to Mick‘s family, teammates, former players, and all of his many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
GAA President Jarlath Burns
“He was, quite simply, the man with the Midas touch.
“The spell he weaved with that magnificent Kerry team of the 70s and 80s was a magic that was as intoxicating for us in South Armagh as it was in his own beloved South Kerry. The sideline battle of wits that he waged with Kevin Heffernan and Eugene McGee not only defined a generation for GAA fans, but they elevated Gaelic football to a whole new height and popularity.
“Before all of that, he had been an incredible footballer in his own right, playing senior inter-county football for 18 years, winning four All-Irelands and eight national league medals and was Footballer of the Year in 1969.
“His switch from playing retirement in 1974 to an All-Ireland winning manager in 1975 is one of the greatest comeback stories in GAA history, going on to win the Sam Maguire eight times in a golden 11-year period.
“Charismatic, clever and a shrewd judge of character, the provincial success he would enjoy coaching Kildare and Laois and the silverware he landed with Wicklow underscored his genius at getting the best out of players.
“His passion for cars was only outpaced by the grá for Gaelic football that constantly stirred in him and had him coaching local underage teams in Waterville up to the age of 79.
“There will only ever be one Micko, and while his passing is an enormous loss to his close family and great many friends, amongst the wider GAA family his memory will forever be celebrated and cherished, and we will be forever thankful that he was one of our own.
“Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dó.”
Minister Patrick O’Donovan
“Mick O’Dwyer was a legend of Gaelic football and an absolute gentleman, whether in victory or defeat. As a coach and a player he was a colossus of the game over five decades and is loved in his native Kerry, all the other counties that he coached, and more widely across the island. My thoughts go out to his family and friends, but he will live forever in the memories of Gaelic football followers the world over. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Minister Charlie McConalogue
“I join with Gaelic football fans worldwide, and Irish fans of sport in general, in paying tribute to Mick O’Dwyer. He was one of the finest footballers, and most influential coaches, to have ever graced our native games. His success on the pitch as a player and as a manager speaks for itself, but his true legacy is felt across the country on football grounds and in clubhouses by the many players and fans he inspired. Gaelic football will mourn a legend, but his impact on the game will live forever. I want to express my condolences to Micko’s friends and family, and the faithful fans in Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Wicklow, Clare and all across the globe.”
