Taoiseach leads tributes to Mick O'Dwyer as he passes away aged 88

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has led the tributes to legendary GAA figure Mick O'Dwyer who has passed away at the age of 88. An icon of Kerry GAA, O'Dwyer - affectionately known as 'Micko' - won four All-Irelands as a player and was named footballer of the year in 1969. He is best known for his second career as a manager, remarkably guiding his beloved Kingdom to eight All-Irelands between 1975-1986.

After leaving the Kerry role in 1989, Micko went on to have tremendous success for a number of counties including Kildare, Laois and Wicklow, helping to transform the fortunes of all three. He led Kildare to two Leinster titles in the 90's, the first of which ended a four-decade drought, and also steered the Lilywhites to the All-Ireland final where they were beaten by Galway. Another Leinster title followed at Laois before he guided Wicklow to Tommy Murphy Cup success in 2007.



His death has saddened all in the GAA and sporting community, with many politicians and sports figures paying tribute to the iconic manager and player. Taoiseach Micheal Martin led the way, taking to social media to hail the life of Micko: "Micko lived and breathed Gaelic football. He embodied everything good about the game - dedication, ambition, positivity and community.

" President Michael D Higgins echoed the Taoiseach's sentiments, releasing a statement that reads: "May I join with all of those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of Mick O'Dwyer," he said in a statement. "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. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

" Tánaiste Simon Harris, who has fond memories of Micko from his time managing his native Wicklow, said that O'Dwyer was"one of our greatest GAA icons," when he appeared on RTE Radio this morning. GAA President Jarlath Burns hailed Micko as '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.

" The most emotional tributes came from Kerry legends who grew up hearing tales of Micko's heroics. Kieran Donaghy labelled the Waterville native one of Kerry's greatest figures when he appeared on Off the Ball, while Colm Cooper took to social media and perhaps summed it up best, writing "What a Player. What a Manager .

What an Inspiration. Thank you Micko." To keep up to date with all the latest GAA news, sign-up to our GAA newsletter here.

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