O’Dwyer sells up

THERE’S only one easy way to follow in the footsteps of GAA legend Mick O’Dwyer - and that’s to pay for the privilege.

The scourge of opposing teams down the decades, both as a player and a manager, and latterly in Leinster as well as Munster, he is a hard man to mark and out-smart.

So, if you can’t beat him, there’s an option to shadow him, and get one over the bar at the Villa bar and guesthouse in Waterville in Kerry.

Doused in GAA history, the business premises owned by Mick O’Dwyer for over 30 years is finally about to leave family hands.

Carrying a price guide of over €725,000, it had been run in recent years by his sons Robbie, and Karl, who played football for both Kerry and Kildare.

“The business carries enormous goodwill. Anyone who comes to Waterville has to visit it,” says estate agent Paul Stephenson of Sherry FitzGerald O’Connell, acting jointly with Maurice Fitzgerald in Cahirciveen.

Originally the Villa Marie (after Mick O’Dwyer’s wife Mary Carmel,) and now known locally as The Villa, has 12 ensuite bedrooms with bar and restaurant.

It was taken over by the younger generation of the family, who are now selling the premises which is Bord Failte registered.

“It will impress those seeking a thriving business in this top tourist destination and will be sold as a going concern,” says Mr Stephenson.

“It's a landmark property which is known the length and breath of Ireland, and carries enormous goodwill,” he adds.

The joint selling agents expect interest from those already in the licensed trade or keen to get involved in a family type business.

Details: Sherry FitzGerald O’Connell 066 7180822, Maurice Fitzgerald 066 9472085