Tributes have been paid to one of Ireland’s most powerful athletes, who died suddenly on Saturday, January 3rd.
Pa (Patrick) O’Dwyer, 40, from Rathkeale in Co Limerick, was a well-known figure on the international strength sports scene, reports Breaking News.
Mr O’Dwyer, widely known as the “Limerick Lion”, claimed the title of Ireland’s Strongest Man a record five times. In 2018, he also became just the second Irish competitor to win the UK’s Strongest Man competition.
He was raised on a farm in Rathkeale and spent his early twenties working on road projects before committing to weight training and developing the exceptional strength that helped establish him among Europe’s top strongmen, reports Breaking News.
He later progressed through the professional ranks, becoming a regular presence on the Giants Live circuit and earning qualification for the World’s Strongest Man competition in 2020.
Beyond competition, Mr O’Dwyer was also fondly remembered for entertaining strongman fans on social media and television, not only through his athletic ability but also for his warmth and humour in interviews and online content, reports Breaking News.
Paying tribute, the Irish Strength Association said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pa O’Dwyer this morning. Pa will be a massive loss to the strength community, reports Breaking News.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his partner Layna, daughter, and two sons, Sienna, Rocco, and youngest Freddy,” reports Breaking News.
No funeral arrangements have been confirmed at this time.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist his family with funeral arrangements, reports Breaking News.
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