Mick O’ Dwyer

Kerry GAA was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of ​Mick O’Dwyer this morning. Affectionately known as ‘Micko’, he was more than just a legendary figure in Kerry GAA he was a symbol of pride for the county – spanning decades.

One of the most iconic figures GAA, both as a player and subsequently a Bainisteoir, Mick was born in 1936 in stunning Waterville, on the edge of Co. Kerry, where the county meets the Atlantic. It seems fitting, hailing from a place, where the majestic mountains meet the wild Atlantic sea, creating a particular fusion of nature and wonder – to credit Mick with a similar fusion of playing and managing and nature and wonder. Over his lifetime he has left an indelible mark on Gaelic Games and indeed his home place of Waterville which proudly displays a statue of their 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.

Despite hanging up the intercounty 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.

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 8 All-Ireland titles (1975-1986). He is credited with a key role in the development of many legendary Kerry GAA footballers, including Jack O’Shea, Pat Spillane, Eoin Bomber Listen, Ogie Moran, Mikey Sheehy, and Páidi Ó Sé. Well known for his emphasis on fitness, discipline and tactical approaches, we now see he was before his time in many ways.

With the game that we all know focusing on a robust defensive system and the ability to break and transition the ball in an exciting fast-paced attack – this was new in the late ‘70’s and Micko was the man who introduced this style of play. His ability to craft a team that was well-rounded in defence and resilience but fuse that with the traditional attacking flair that Kerry are known for was visionary and cements his place in the annals of history yet again.

Mick was also credited with having a deeper view of football, players and team spirit and became known as a person who created an atmosphere within teams where morale was high and self-belief peaked at the right times. An inspirational man who shared so much of himself with Kerry players, teams and the GAA in general.

Word quickly spread beyond Kerry of Mick’s prowess as a manager and over the course of many years, he managed different intercounty teams. 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 Senior Football team and saw his team gain an historic Leinster title in 2003. After this Mick managed the Wicklow Senior Footballers and helped to shape and strengthen this team, and finished with a managerial role in Clare in 2013.

Mick O’Dwyer was more than a player, or a manager, he was the sum of all of these parts, a proud Waterville GAA clubman 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.

A jewel in the crown of South Kerry, and Kerry GAA, we feel privileged to call Micko one of our own, and to know that his imprint will forever be felt in Kerry. He is testament to what can be achieved in the GAA, and the importance of hard work, dedication and a true love for football and the GAA.

The name Mick O’ Dwyer is linked with many achievements, but in Kerry, the name will always be synonymous with passion, success and an overriding commitment to excellence and instilling this excellence in others. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

We remember his late wife Mary Carmel, his late son Haulie and extend our deepest sympathies to his sons, John, Robbie and Karl and the entire O’ Dwyer family and his very many dear friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Old Friends – The 2022 portrait by Cian O’Connor that shows Kerry manager Jack O’Connor bringing the precious Sam Maguire to the home of the legendary Mick O’Dwyer after their All-Ireland success which won the 2022 MacNamee Award for best photograph.