Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories File photo ofMick O'Dwyer. Mick O'Dwyer, legendary Kerry GAA manager and footballer, has died aged 88 Mick O’Dwyer oversaw eight All-Ireland wins as Kerry manager. 7.55am, 3 Apr 2025 Share options MICK O’DWYER, RENOWNED Kerry Gaelic football player and former county manager has passed away at the age of 88. Regarded as one of one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport, ’Micko’ was an iconic presence in the Kingdom as both player and manager. While his incredible management career led to the idea of a ‘manager’ in Gaelic Games, he was a remarkable footballer and made his debut in the 1956-57 league season, facing Carlow in October 1956. He went on to win four All-Irelands, eleven Munster medals and seven league titles during his playing days, while he also lost five All-Ireland finals. Having retired as a player, he immediately took over as manager in 1974 at the age of 38. Kerry’s longest serving manager oversaw eight All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (SFC) wins, including a then record-equalling four-in-a-row between 1978 and 1981, and a three-in-a-row between 1984 and 1986. Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid has paid tribute to O’Dwyer this morning following his death: Advertisement “I am deeply saddened at the passing of Mick O’Dwyer – an icon of Gaelic Games. Micko lived and breathed Gaelic football. He embodied everything good about the game – dedication, ambition, positivity and community. “His sporting legacy is unmatched. He will forever be one of Kerry’s iconic players, winning four senior All Ireland medals in 1959, 1962, 1969 and 1970. “During his tenure as manager in 1975 to 1989, Kerry took the Sam Maguire Cup back to the Kingdom eight times. “Over his sporting career, Micko appeared in 21 senior All Ireland finals – an outstanding achievement in itself. “After the Kingdom, Micko had further success as a manager, leading Kildare and Laois to Leinster titles and guiding Wicklow to a Tommy Murphy Cup win. “The Waterville man’s intercounty career lasted well into his seventies, until he retired as Clare manager in 2014 at the age of 77. “Despite his many, many sporting achievements, Micko remained humble. In RTE’s 2018 documentary on his life, Micko famously said: ‘I had a marvellous run, but wasn’t I lucky to be born in Kerry.’ “Kerry, and all of us, were lucky to have him. “My deepest sympathies to all his family and the entire GAA community. “Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam. Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige.” Tánaiste Simon Harris has also honoured Mick O’Dwyer’s memory, saying that his “contribution to Irish sport and community life was extraordinary, particularly in his native county Kerry.” It is with tremendous sadness today that we learn of the passing of one of Ireland’s greatest GAA icons, Mick O’Dwyer. Mick’s contribution to Irish sport and community life was extraordinary. My statement: pic.twitter.com/HxnQ4vDRy1— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 3, 2025 Wicklow GAA thanked Mick O’Dwyer for the service he brought to the county as manager between 2006 and 2011. “It is with deep sadness that Wicklow GAA has learned of the passing of Mick O’Dwyer. Mick managed our Senior Footballers with passion and dedication from 2006 to 2011. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his sons John, Robbie, and Karl, and the entire O’Dwyer family.” It is with deep sadness that Wicklow GAA has learned of the passing of Mick O'Dwyer. Mick managed our Senior Footballers with passion and dedication from 2006 to 2011. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his sons John, Robbie, and Karl, and the entire O'Dwyer family. pic.twitter.com/yZ1aCmqBXY— Official Wicklow GAA (@wicklowgaa) April 3, 2025 Sinead Farrell View 5 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Mick O'Dwyer, legendary Kerry GAA manager and footballer, has died aged 88”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Mick O'Dwyer, legendary Kerry GAA manager and footballer, has died aged 88”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. 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