'A WONDERFUL HUMAN'

Star Una leads tributes to Irish Strongman champ O'Dwyer, 40

- BY RUAIRI SCOTT BYRNE

SINGER Una Healy has led tributes to Irish Strongman champion Patrick 'Pa' O'Dwyer after his shock death at the age of 40.

O'Dwyer, from Co Limerick, held the title of Ireland's Strongest Man five times.

In 2018, he became the first Irishman in 20 years to win the UK's Strongest Man competition.

Former Saturdays singer Una posted on her Instagram account: "Devastated to hear about the loss of a truly wonderful human. RIP"

After growing up working on a farm in Rathkeale, the "Limerick Lion" worked on the roads through his early 20s before turning to weight training.

He established himself as one of Europe's top strongmen and won the UK's Strongest Man competition in 2018.

The dad-of-three went on to grow a huge audience on social media by sharing touching videos, often in support of people struggling with mental health.

The news of O'Dwyer's passing was confirmed by Giants Live, who paid an emotional tribute to the popular athlete.