'You were some man for one man': Marty Morrissey pays heartfelt tribute to Mick O’Dwyer at Kerry funeral
Marty Morrissey giving a reflection at the funeral mass for Mick O'Dwyer at St Finian’s Church, Waterville, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan
At the funeral of legendary Kerry GAA figure Mick O'Dwyer this morning in Waterville, RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey delivered a heartfelt and humorous tribute to his dear friend.
Speaking with emotion and warmth, Mr Morrissey celebrated Mick O'Dwyer's immense contribution to Gaelic football as both a player and manager, his love for life, and the deep admiration he inspired across the country.
With stories that highlighted Micko’s charisma, wit, and unmatched legacy, Mr Morrissey painted a picture of a man who transcended counties and brought joy to all who knew him.
Read the full tribute to the late Micko below.
"I might not be from Kerry but a neighbour from across the river Shannon where in Clare we always love Kerry except when you were hammering the daylights out of us in the Munster senior football championship.
“We kinda fell out of love with ye Kerry people on days like that, and I’m sure the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, a proud Corkman, will feel our pain on certain days against Kerry.
“Micko, let me tell you, you were some man for one man.
“When I see black and white photos of you from back in the 1950s, I have to admit you were one handsome guy.
“Tom Cruise or George Clooney would not be fit to tie your laces when it comes to good looks.
“As I say these words here in the church in beautiful Waterville, I can see you smiling back at me with that roguish grin and a little wink. I can ever hear you say, ‘Marty, you're dead right there’.
“Through your talents as a footballer and a manager, you brought great joy to this magnificent county of Kerry.
“This is the Kingdom and you will always be the king.
“But your gift goes beyond the county boundaries where you brought happiness to the people of Kildare, Laois and Wicklow - to levels those counties never knew before or could hardly remember.
“That is a gift from God.
"That is the gift that you gave Micko because of your passionate love for Gaelic football and community.
“You got people to believe that dreams can come true, that anything is possible.
“I had this dream during the week that as you pass through the pearly gates of heaven, St Peter will meet you and say ‘thank God you’re here Micko, we need a player manager’.
“And your response will be ‘Peter, training starts tomorrow night at seven o’clock’.
“Because that is you, Micko.
“Thank you being you.
"You were a kind a loving man who loved life, loved family, loved Waterville, loved Kerry, loved football.
“But you need to know that all of us across our nation, across the four provinces of Ireland, loved you and admired us with all our hearts.
"You were my great friend Micko, and I want to say here how much I loved you.
“He used to ring me up on Mondays, out of the blue, and say ‘that was a free, you know, yesterday Marty’.
“And I’d say ‘what match are you talking about?’ (And he'd say) Cork and Clare in the Munster hurling championship.
"He knew everything.
“I don’t normally write poetry, but I wanted to end with a few words and a priest friend gave me this.
“So farewell my hero, you’re leaving.
“It's time for you to go.
“Your friendship was a blessing.
“We will all miss you, Micko.
“We shared so many good times.
"We loved your roguish ways.
“You brought us much happiness, especially on All-Ireland days.
“Now, God is here to take you home to eternal rest.
“Of all the managers we have known, Micko, you were the very best.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
“The iconic Mick O'Dwyer, unique, we will never see the likes of him again.
“You legend, Mick O’Dwyer, rest in peace.”
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