ONE OF THE GREATEST. AN ICON OF GAELIC GAMES

Tributes pour in for All-Ireland winning footballer and manager Guaranteed hero status for 'the man with the Midas touch'

- SEAN MURPHY

MICK O'Dwyer the GAA legend dubbed Kerry's great son died yesterday, prompting a wave of emotional tributes.

The hero All Ireland-winning player and manager, who led several counties to glory, had been sick for some time.

His family revealed: "Micko passed away peacefully in the care of the wonderful medical team in Kenmare Community Hospital."

They said: "It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Michael (Micko) O'Dwyer of Murreigh, Waterville, Co Kerry.

"He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, his sons John, Karl and Robert, his stepdaughter Emma (Shields).

"Mickos passing will be mourned by his many friends, neighbours, and the entire GAA community."

Mick O'Dwyer was born in 1936 and went on to change the face of Gaelic foot-ball in a 57-year inter-county career before his sad death, aged 88.

Huge crowds are expected at his funeral tomorrow, when mourners will be led by his wife Geraldine Shields and Micko's sons John, Robbie and Karl.

His remains will repose today at Fitzgerald's Funeral Home in Waterville from 4pm to 8pm before removal to Waterville's St Finian's Church at 8.30pm.

Requiem Mass tomorrow in the church will be at 11am with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

MECHANIC

Mick's first wife Mary Carmel, died in 2012 and he is also predeceased by another son, Michael, who died in October 2022, aged 56, at Tralee's University Hospital Kerry.

Former mechanic Micko, who became a GAA legend and also a successful businessman as hotelier and undertaker, was aged 86 when he married his second wife Geraldine, from Tyrone, two years ago.