The Kerry GAA has described the late Mick O’Dwyer, who passed away this morning in Kenmare Community Hospital, at the age of 88, as one of the most iconic figures in the GAA, both as a player and, subsequently, as a bainisteoir.
A statement said during the course of his lifetime, he left an indelible mark on Gaelic games and his home place of Waterville which proudly displays a statue of the local hero in the town.
Mick’s playing career began in the 1950s when he starred for the Kerry senior football team. A skilful player, with no fear and a fascinating level of both skill and leadership, he was the lynchpin in this Kerry team that won many All-Ireland medals.
His versatility on the pitch influenced many a fixture for Kerry as Mick would command the attacking play but always fulfil his defensive duties as well. Over his career in the green and gold Mick, collected five Celtic crosses and numerous Munster and national league titles.
The Kerry GAA tribute noted that despite hanging up the inter-county boots at an early age, Micko never lost the love for Gaelic games and transitioned into coaching and management very quickly.
Although he had left his mark on the pitch as a player, arguably the best was yet to come for Mick who gained a fantastic reputation for his tactics, football acumen and his unique ability to solidify teams and help them to build and prosper.
The Kerry GAA statement states: “After retiring from playing, O’Dwyer transitioned into a coaching and managerial role, where he would leave an even bigger legacy. His managerial career began with a focus on club football, where he quickly gained a reputation for his tactical acumen and ability to build strong, cohesive teams.
However, it was with the Kerry senior football team that O’Dwyer truly made his name as a manager. Appointed manager in 1975, he helped Kerry dominate Gaelic football during the 1970s and 1980s. His tactical brilliance and motivational skills were crucial in transforming Kerry into one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport”.
With Micko as bainisteoir, Kerry won an amazing eight All-Ireland titles between 1975 and 1986. He is credited with a key role in the development of many legendary Kerry GAA footballers, including Jack O’Shea, Pat Spillane, Eoin Bomber Liston, Ogie Moran Mikey Sheehy and Páidi Ó Sé.
After his legendary tenure with Kerry, Micko managed the Kildare senior football team on two occasions who with the buzz of the legendary manager in their ranks reached an All-Ireland final and claimed their first Leinster title in over 40 years and created a new era of football fanfare in the county. After this Mick managed the Laois and Wicklow and finished his inter-county career with a managerial role in Clare in 2013.
His last coaching role, perhaps fittingly was with an under 14 team in Waterville.
“Mick O’Dwyer was more than a player, or a manager, he was the sum of all of these parts and a rare institution in Gaelic football. His various contributions to GAA, both on and off the field, have forged a pathway for Gaelic football and he will be remembered for generations to come,” the Kerry GAA stated.
MEP and former GAA President and Kerry County Board Chairman, Seán Kelly, described Mick O’Dwyer as one of the best people he was ever privileged to know.
“I was Chairman of Kerry GAA when Micko managed Kerry. He used to collect me at my house and we travelled to venues all over Ireland where Kerry were playing.
“On the way back on Sunday evening, he’d come in to my house for tea and Kimberley biscuits and then continue on to Waterville to oversee the band playing and patrons in his dance hall that night,” he said.
Mr Kelly said no manager was more successful in so many counties: Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Wicklow and finally Clare.
“He was one of the nicest and shrewdest people and was a brilliant man manager – the secret of his success. Micko was able to see what would motivate one player and not another,” the Ireland South MEP added.
He said after winning the All-Ireland, Micko brought all the players, wives and officials to a big celebratory dinner in Waterville and they are great memories.
“Micko is so famous as a manager that we might forget that he was also one of the best footballers of his or any era, firstly as a wing-back and then as a most accurate corner-forward. I once saw him score 2-12 in one match in Croke Park,” Mr Kelly recalled.
He said one of O’Dwyer’s biggest regrets was not missing out on the five-in-a-row but Waterville not winning the county championship.
“Waterville and Kerry were his life. It was an honour to have been close to such a great man,” Mr Kelly stated.
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, said she was very saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Mick O’Dwyer.
She described him as a giant of Gaelic football, both as player and manager, bringing honour, reward and distinction to his beloved green and gold and beyond.
“A sportsman, a gentleman, a Kerryman, his legacy is rich,” she said.
“We are the lesser for his passing but greater for having had the benefit of his talent, ability and unique brand of sporting magic. Rest easy now, Mick. Thank you for everything,” Minister Foley stated.
Deputy Michael Cahill said he learned of Micko’s passing “with a heavy heart”.
“As a candidate for Seanad Éireann in the late 90s, Micko canvassed for and with me, when he was manager of Kildare. It was a privilege to have the support of such a legend and true gentleman,” he said.
“Micko’s era became known as the Golden Years, such was the impact he had on the people of Kerry and indeed the world.
“He made household names out of players from all over this county and he brought tens of thousands of us on an annual pilgrimage to Croke Park,” the Kerry TD added.
His fellow TD Deputy Danny Healy-Rae remarked: “We are very sorry to hear of the death of Mick O’Dwyer.
“The whole county of Kerry and the country are saddened today. We commiserate with the O’Dwyer family and his thousands of friends,” he said.
The Independent TD added: “Thanks for the great enjoyment he gave as far back as we can remember. He was as solid as the Bull Rock out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean when it came to football. May he rest in peace”.
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