Mick O'Dwyer's days in Laois mentioned at GAA icon's funeral amid emotional tributes

The funeral of former Kerry footballer and legendary GAA football manager Mick O'Dwyer has taken place in Waterville, Co Kerry where his days managing Laois got a specific mention.

The iconic sporting figure, known simply as Micko, passed away peacefully in the care of the wonderful medical team in Kenmare Community Hospital on Thursday April 3.

He enjoyed an illustrious career on the pitch with his beloved Kerry before managing his native county to multiple All-Ireland titles in the 1970s and 80s. He went on to manage the likes of Kildare and Laois, with whom he won a Leinster title.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and GAA President Jarlath Burns were among mourners at St Finian’s Church in Waterville on Saturday morning where his funeral service took place. The mass was celebrated by Fr Sean Jones. Micko was buried afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Gifts on the altar included an O'Neill's football, a Kerry flag and an accordion. A black and white image of a smiling Micko adorned his coffin. 

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The eulogy was delivered by Micko's good friend, Michael O'Flynn, who described him as "a giant both on and off the field."

He said: "His impact on football in Kerry and natioanally will never be forgotten. He was a mentor, a leader and a friend. I was lucky enough to be a close friend of Micko's and in a letter of wishes he wrote a few years ago and opened after he passed away this week, he nominated me for this eulogy, and I am privileged to honour his wishes.

"I feel a huge sense of sadness and loss as I address you today," he said. "Today is a day to reflect on two men; the Michael O'Dwyer for his sporting achievements and the Michael O'Dwyer known to his family and close friends."

Michael went on to list Micko's many achievements in the game, particularly with Kerry as a player and manager, pointing out his "ability to spot talent and nurture it," building a team in Kerry full of players who went on to become legends themselves.

He specifically mentioned Micko's time as the manager of Kildare where he won two Leinster titles and led the Lillies to an All-Ireland final in 1998.

"It was indeed a major achievement for Kildare. He was fortunate to train the team which included his son Karl, and that was a source of immense pride for him and something he always treasured."

"Micko's loyalty was unmatched, to his players, his friends, his community and his family. He always had time to people. Many of us here today can testify to Micko's generosity, his kindness and his unwavering loyalty as a friend.

"Micko was a matter of fact type of man and like many of his generation, he might not have been great at expressing his feelings. He was deeply proud of his four sons. Those who knew Micko would recognise that his late wife Carmel was the unwavering strength in his life; a remarkable wife, mother and businesswoman. Micko had a great love for his family."

Michael went on to explain the joy Micko found with his second wife Geraldine after the death of Carmel. 

"In more recent years, Micko was lucky enough to rediscover his happiness with wife Geraldine who lovingly cared for and supported him through his declining health. I'm up here speaking today under instruction from Micko, and I want to thank you, Geraldine, for all you have done."

He went on to thank all those carers and medical staff who cared for Micko in his latter years, before concluding that his great friend would "never be forgotten."

"We will miss you, we will always carry your spirit with us. Rest in peace, Michael, and thank you for all you have done," he concluded.

RTE commentator Marty Morrissey also spoke at the funeral. He said of Micko: "You always said how luck you were to be from the kingdom of Kerry, and I say how lucky were we just to know you."

"Micko, let me tell you, you were some man for one man. When I see black and white photos of you from the 1950s and 60s, I have to admit, you were one handsome guy. Tom Cruise or George Clooney would not be fit to tie your laces when it comes to good looks.

"As I say these words here in the church in beautiful Waterville, I can see you smiling back at me with that rogueish grin and a little wink. I can ever hear you say, 'Marty, your dead right there.'

"This is the kingdom, and you will always be the king," Marty added, but said "your gifts go beyond the county boundaries when you brought happiness to the people of Kildare, Laois and Wicklow, to levels those counties new really knew before or could hardly remember. That is a gift from God. That is a gift you gave, Micko, because of your passionate love for Gaelic football. You got people to believe that dreams can come true. 

"Thank you for being you. You were a kind and loving man who loved life, loved family, loved Waterville, loved Kerry, loved football."

"You were my great friend, Micko and I want to say here how much I loved you. We will never see the likes of you again, you legend, Mick O'Dwyer, rest in peace."

Micko will be sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, his sons John, Karl and Robert, his stepdaughter Emma (Shields), his daughters-in-law Geraldine, Mary, Sandra and Liz and his adored grandchildren Shane, Amy, Lynn, Pierce, Dylan, Clodagh, Lauren and his step grandchildren, Holly, Cathal and Emily.

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. May he rest in peace.