Widespread sadness in Laois at passing of GAA coaching legend Mick O'Dwyer

There is widespread sadness in Laois at the passing of GAA legend Mick O'Dwyer who coached Laois to a historic Leinster Gaelic Football victory in 2003.

The Kerry man died at 88 away from GAA, Mick O'Dwyer was a hotelier and undertaker in his native Waterville.

After glory years with Kerry and Kildare, Micko, as he was known, was recruited to O'Moore County in 2002, soon after leaving Kildare. He took over at a golden era for underage Laois football with the county producing multiple All-Ireland Championship winning teams. 

Micko went on to lead Laois to the 2003 Leinster Championship in Croke Park defeating Kildare in the final. The Kerry man led his charges to defeat Dublin on the way to way to the final. He also led in 2004 and 2005. He departed Laois in 2006.

During and after his time in Laois, he became somewhat of a local as he used Kilminchy home in Portlaoise as his base.

Dick Miller was Laois GAA chairperson during the 'Micko era' in the Midlands County. The Timahoe man praised Micko for his contribution to gaelic games but also the county.

"He lifted the whole county apart from Gaelic football. He brought a great boost to everything. He was one of a kind. There was no other Micko. He was a great man," he said.

Mr Miller also lauded Micko's generosity with his time outside of sport. He highlighted the numerous community events the Kerry man attended around the county to help communities during the era.

As for the success on the field of play, Mr Miller said there was 'no one else' like him when it came to getting teams to win. While the former GAA chairman says the talent was in Laois at the time, he believed Micko had the special skills to get the most out of them.

"He had charisma and was able to get the best out of them without any high-tech training," he said. 

While the Timahoe man believes, Laois could have achieved more under Mick, he remembers the era with great fondness.

"They were great times," he said.

Current Laois GAA Chairman PJ Kelly also paid tribute.

"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 right across the country. A giant of Gaelic football both as player and manager bringing honour, reward and distinction to his beloved green and gold and beyond.

"His arrival in Laois as senior football manager in 2003 brought with it excitement, belief, and a sense that anything was possible.

IN PICTURES: Micko - a legendary life

"During his time with Laois, Mick led us to a historic Leinster Final victory in 2003 — our first in 57 years — and helped forge unforgettable memories for players and supporters alike. His charisma, passion for the game, and sheer love of football left a lasting imprint on Laois football and on all those privileged to work with him. His legacy is rich.

"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.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," said Mr Kelly. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The revolutionary coach won four All-Ireland titles as a player with Kerry before later guiding the Kingdom to eight titles during the 1970s and 1980s. 

He followed his term in Laois with management spells with Wicklow and Clare.

GAA President Jarlath Burns, paid tribute.

“The passing of the great Mick O’Dwyer marks the loss of not just a Kerry legend but one of the true giants and icons of Gaelic games. 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,” concluded Mr Burns.

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute.

"Mick O'Dwyer will be remembered as one of the greatest figures ever to be associated with Gaelic Games...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," he said.

In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is deeply saddened at the passing of the Kerry man.

"Micko lived and breathed Gaelic football. He embodied everything good about the game - dedication, ambition, positivity and community.  His sporting legacy is unmatched. He will forever be one of Kerry’s iconic players," he said.

Away from GAA, Mick O'Dwyer was a hotelier and undertaker in his native Waterville. 

He is survived by his wife Geraldine and sons John, Robbie and Karl. He is pre-deceased by his first wife, Mary and another son Michael.