Michael 'Micko' O'Dwyer, of Murreigh, Waterville, Co Kerry, passed away peacefully in the care of the wonderful medical team in Kenmare Community Hospital on Thursday, a notice on RIP.ie states. He was 88 years old.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, his sons John, Karl, and Robert, his stepdaughter Emma (Shields), as well as his in-laws, his seven grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary, his first wife, Mary Carmel, and their son Micheal (Haulie).
"Micko's passing will be mourned by his many friends, neighbours, and the entire GAA community," the notice says, adding: "May Micko's gentle soul rest in peace."
Reposing at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home in Waterville on Friday, April 4 from 4 pm to 8 pm, followed by removal to St Finian’s Church Waterville, arriving at 8-30pm.
Requiem Mass on Saturday, April 5 at 11 am followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
The requiem mass will be live-streamed here.
The GAA and its President Jarlath Burns led tributes on Thursday.
The GAA said: "Born in Waterville in 1936, the man synonymous with the moniker ‘Micko’ first played for the Kerry senior football team in 1956 and would go on to have an extraordinary success laden career as a player and later manager – successfully coaching the Kingdom and later Kildare, Laois, Wicklow and Clare.
"Initially a defender, he switched to attack with great effect and was regularly among the game’s top marksmen.
"His success as a player would be eclipsed by the passion and energy that defined his managerial career that make him football’s most successful ever coach and a man who had a central role in the evolution of Gaelic football."
GAA President Jarlath Burns has extended the sympathies of the Association to the family of the late @Kerry_Official hero Mick O’Dwyer who has passed away at the age of 88. #GAABelong
— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 3, 2025
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said Micko's passing "marks the loss of not just a Kerry legend but one of the true giants and icons of Gaelic games."
Burns continued: “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 remembered, and we will be forever thankful that he was one of our own.
“Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dó.” (May God grant him eternal rest.)
In its own tribute on Thursday, Kerry GAA said in part: "A jewel in the crown of South Kerry, and Kerry GAA, we feel privileged to call Micko one of our own, and to know that his imprint will forever be felt in Kerry.
"He is testament to what can be achieved in the GAA, and the importance of hard work, dedication and a true love for football and the GAA."
Mick O' Dwyer, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.https://t.co/9yurmFcxSE pic.twitter.com/hFAxGe3A32
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) April 3, 2025
Laois GAA said: "Mick’s knowledge, humour and charm made him a beloved figure wherever he went. He had the rare ability to inspire not just teams, but entire counties. Laois was fortunate to be part of his remarkable journey, and we will always be grateful for the pride and joy he brought to our community."
Laois GAA Statement on the Passing of Mick O’Dwyer
Laois GAA extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and countless admirers of Mick O’Dwyer, following the sad news of his passing.
Mick was a true giant of the GAA world — a legend not only in his native Kerry, but… pic.twitter.com/KhowkEVzXz
— Laois GAA (@CLGLaois) April 3, 2025
Wicklow GAA said Mick "managed our Senior Footballers with passion and dedication from 2006 to 2011."
It is with deep sadness that Wicklow GAA has learned of the passing of Mick O'Dwyer.
— Official Wicklow GAA (@wicklowgaa) April 3, 2025
Mick managed our Senior Footballers with passion and dedication from 2006 to 2011.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his sons John, Robbie, and Karl, and the entire O'Dwyer family. pic.twitter.com/yZ1aCmqBXY
Clare GAA said Mick "will be fondly remembered as an icon of Gaelic Football."
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. pic.twitter.com/4DFgJ3SCrV
— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) April 3, 2025
Ireland's leading politicians also paid tribute on Thursday.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said "Kerry, and all of us, were lucky to have him," while Tanaiste Simon Harris said, "Mick leaves a void behind that will be incredibly difficult to fill."
Ireland's Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: "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."
Ireland's Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD added: "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."
President Michael D. Higgins said: "Mick O'Dwyer will be remembered as one of the greatest figures ever to be associated with Gaelic Games."
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