'Outstandingly intelligent, effortlessly articulate': Mick O'Dwyer celebrated by friend Michael O'Flynn
Michael O'Flynn speaking at the funeral mass for Mick O'Dwyer at St Finian’s Church, Waterville, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan
Mick O’Dwyer’s intellect, instinct and love for his family were lauded by his long-time friend Michael O’Flynn at his funeral in Waterville on Saturday.
Well-known Cork property developer O’Flynn provided the eulogy at the mass in St Finian’s Church attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and GAA president Jarlath Burns.
“He was outstandingly intelligent, effortlessly articulate and entirely self-educated, a man whose natural instincts alone propelled him to remarkable achievements,” said O’Flynn.
“I often marvelled at his ability to command a room whether in media engagements or public speaking. It was as if ideas arrived fully-formed in his mind requiring no effort at all.
“I vividly recall one particular day when I received a rather panicked call from him. He was about to address a group connected with the construction industry and as the event loomed close and the brief became clearer, he realised he needed something more than his usual masterclass in motivation, his natural habitat.
“He wanted to ensure his audience believed he had done his homework even if he was cramming at the 11th hour. Later, I joked that it was his instinct yet again that saved the day.”
A man who oversaw 11 championship victories and three draws in 19 championship meetings with Cork, O’Dwyer’s superb record against Kerry’s neighbours was referenced by O’Flynn.
“How many times did we in Cork have to endure his teasing of us? I won’t attempt the Kerry accent but all we heard was, ‘You’re definitely the second best team in Ireland.’ Delivered with that signature grin after yet another triumph over us. I often challenged him on it, did he truly mean it and with that great roguish smile he’d concede, ‘Well, maybe just a few times.’
“Micko had a language all of his own. You’d never be asked, ‘Have you any news?’ Micko would say, ‘Any late flash?’ His way of letting you know you were getting nowhere in arguing your position in relation to a topic he would let you finish and he would say, ‘You’re entitled to your opinion’. And that would tell you to just move on.”
O’Flynn touched on the dedication of his wife Mary Carmel who died in 2012, his second wife Geraldine who he married in 2023 and his four sons.
“Micko was a very matter-of-fact type of man and while like many of his generation he might not have been great at expressing his feelings he was deeply proud of his four sons, John, Robbie, Karl and Haulie who sadly passed away in 2022.”
Describing the support O’Dwyer’s family gave to him during his managerial career, O’Flynn continued: “He appreciated the sacrifices they made so he could pursue his love of sport and he always gave his absolute best for all his family. In his quiet, steady way, he always provided and while he kept his feelings close to his chest, I can tell you he cared about them deeply.”
O’Flynn documented some of his illustrious playing and managerial career with Kerry in which he won a combination of 12 All-Ireland senior football titles, four on the field and eight on the sideline.
“He often boasted about the time in 1975 when the team trained for 27 consecutive nights and nobody complained. They knew better.
“As a manager, he had a unique way of getting the best out of his players, not just tactically, but personally. He knew for a team to succeed, there had to be trust and respect for the team on the field. He instilled in his players a sense of pride in the jersey, a belief in themselves and a relentless drive to give their all not just for the team but for each other.
“Under his leadership, Kerry became synonymous with excellence and Micko’s name became a byword for success but always with humility and respect.”
In the reflection, O’Dwyer’s friend and RTÉ Gaelic games correspondent Marty Morrissey also paid tribute to the great man.
He concluded: “I've got a few lines. I don't normally write poetry, but I wanted to end just with a few words – So farewell, my hero. You're leaving. It's time for you to go. Your friendship was a blessing. We will all here 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. The iconic Mick O'Dwyer, unique, we will never see the likes of him again. You’re a legend, Mick O’Dwyer, rest in peace.”
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