The iconic Gaelic football player and manager was Kerry's longest-serving manager and its most successful, winning major titles. He is widely viewed as one of the greatest GAA managers of all time. The Waterville man was born on June 9, 1936. He passed away peacefully in Kenmare Community Hospital on Thursday, April 3. GAA stars and fans are gathering in his hometown of Waterville, Kerry this evening , saying their final goodbyes to a pillar of the game before he is laid to rest tomorrow. His body will repose at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home, Waterville, this evening from 4pm to 8pm. A removal to St Finian’s Church, Waterville will follow, to arrive at 8.30pm. Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday at 11am followed by his burial in the adjoining cemetery. The requiem mass will be live-streamed. “He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, his sons John, Karl and Robert, his stepdaughter Emma (Shields), his daughters-in-law Geraldine, Mary, Sandra and Liz and his adored grandchildren Shane, Amy, Lynn, Pierce, Dylan, Clodagh, Lauren and his step grandchildren, Holly, Cathal and Emily,” his page on RIP.ie says. “He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary, his first wife, Mary Carmel and their son Micheal (Haulie).” Hundreds of messages of condolences are being left on RIP.ie. One tribute described him as “one of the greatest Kerry men” embodying great sporting prowess, kindness and community spirit. “It's hard to put into words what he meant not just as an incredible GAA player and manager, but as a true gentleman, friend, neighbour and community man who gave so much to everyone around him,” the tribute said. “His legacy on the pitch was matched only by the way he lifted up his beloved native Waterville and surrounding neighbourhood with his kindness and strong spirit, not to mention his iconic status and fame as one of the greatest Kerry men.” Another said that Mr O'Dwyer made GAA beautiful, turning it into "poetry in motion." His achievements "will be copper fastened into folklore," they wrote. “There are legends and there are legends and then there's Micko," the tribute said. “There's a certain "vintage" of players, people and fans who would have seen and witnessed what he accomplished. "Those achievements are and always will be copper fastened into folklore. “God Rest ya " Micko ", thank you so, so much for everything. “They always say soccer is the beautiful game but you made Gaelic football beautiful, it was "Poetry in Motion " with you. God Rest.”. Another said: “A true legend, there will be no one else like him. Rest peacefully Micko and thanks for all the memories.” Another said: “Condolences to the O'Dwyer family on the sad passing of Micko. You brought us on a wonderful journey from 2003-2006, leading us to the promised land in 2003. Thank you for the lifetime memories Micko. Rest in eternal peace now.”