Legendary strongman Pa “the Limerick Lion” O’Dwyer laid to rest following sudden death

David Raleigh

Legendary strongman, Pa “the Limerick Lion” O’Dywer, who died suddenly last week, was laid to rest following his funeral mass on Wednesday.

Mr O’Dywer (40), was a doting father of three and partner, and his hardened steel, shown on the battlefield of strongman competitions, was unrivalled; his funeral mass heard.

An acoustic rendition of the haunting lullaby rock anthem “Nothing Else Matters” written by US heavy-metal band Metallica, echoed through St Mary’s Church, attended by Mr O’Dwyer’s “strongman comrades” who came to wrap their immense arms and hearts around Mr O’Dwyer’s heartbroken family, and remember their fallen champion.

Mr O’Dwyer was regarded a “giant” among giants, and crowned Ireland’s strongest man on five occasions - he had won the UK’s strongman crown.

His brother, Sean O’Dwyer, told the packed church: “Patrick was a gentle giant who really cared for people.”

It was heard that, despite his hard exterior, the Limerick Lion was cushioned by a soft and sensitive inner nature that was reflected in the advice and guidance he gave to a teenage boy who sought help when he was being bullied.

Sean O’Dwyer said his late brother won many international accolades through his strongman achievements, but his greatest joy came after receiving a letter of thanks from the teenage boy’s father, who wrote that his son had found his confidence and “tells everyone that Pa O’Dywer is a giant”.

Sean O’Dwyer drew laughter, and lifted the congregation’s spirits, describing his late brother: “Patrick was a man of many talents, he was a farmer, a builder, a bouncer, a fireman, an astronaut - most of these are true.” “He grew not only his ego, but also his arms, he achieved what few in the (strongman community) could have dreamed of.”

In a final tribute, Mr O’Dywer told those gathered that, if the “love” his brother’s family and friends felt for him could have saved him, he would have “lived forever”.

He also paid tribute to all the medical staff attached to University Hospital Limerick who valiantly tried to save his brother’s life after he took ill and died suddenly on January 3rd last.

A poetic tribute, “A Poem for Pa” written by Treasa Coleman, was read out by a friend: “Pa was a man to be admired, he stood out in every crowd; Strong in the body and spirit, with a laugh that was infectiously loud,” the tribute began.

Chief celebrant, Rathkeale parish priest Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon, with assistance from Newcastle West concelebrants, Canon James Ambrose and Fr Frank O’Dea, said news of Mr O’Dwyer’s death was met with “huge shock and sadness, not just in west Limerick, or indeed not just in Ireland, but by so many around the world, who knew and loved Pa through his competitions and through his online presence”.

Family and friends left symbols reflecting Mr O’Dywer’s life on the church altar, including his weight-lifting straps; his ukulele; one of his many strongman trophies, his competition t-shirts, and a family photo.

Pa O’Dwyer, Rathkeale, and originally from Rooskagh East, Carrigkerry, Athea, is survived by his partner Layna, children Sienna, Rocco, Freddy, parents Lena and Seanie, and siblings Siobhan, Kris, Sean and Liam, grandparents, extended family and the international strongman community.

Following the mass, the Limerick Lion was laid in his final resting place at Monagea Cemetery, west county Limerick.