Former Kildare Player Karl O'Dwyer Issues Heartfelt Statement, Following Micko's Passing Last Week

Karl thanked the public for their messages of support

Former Kildare player Karl O'Dwyer has issued a statement, following the passing of his father, Mick O'Dwyer last week. 

As a player between 1957 and 1973 Mick O'Dwyer won 12 Munster titles, 4 All-Ireland’s and 7 National football leagues.

Micko managed Kildare between 1991 and 1994, before returning between 1997 and 2002.

During that spell, he helped Kildare win the Leinster Championship in 1998 and 2000, as well as reaching the All Ireland Final against Galway in 1998.

He also managed Laois, Wicklow and Clare in more recent years.

Karl O'Dwyer, who lives with his wife and children between Castledermot and Kilkea issued the following statement:

"The past few days have been a whirlwind—frantic and overwhelming—but also a fitting and beautiful celebration of an extraordinary man. An iconic figure in the GAA community, his passing has brought immense sadness and a deep sense of loss to his family and to all who knew and admired him.

We are incredibly proud sons John, Rob, Karl, and his seven grandchildren as we laid him to rest with dignity, love, and strength. To us, he was more than a legend—he was our dad and grandad—and his absence will leave a profound void in our lives. While we, along with the entire sporting world, held him in the highest esteem, as his family we will miss him most dearly. Our hearts will forever hold the many cherished memories that we shared, and his stories will be told and retold for generations to come.

His final years—especially the last three—were marked by a brave and difficult battle with illness. He fought with the same strength, courage, and determination he showed on the football field. Yet, it was clear he had become a shadow of his former self, with only glimpses of the vibrant man we all knew and loved.

Now, he is reunited with the great loves of his life—Mary Carmel and their beloved son Haulie. Rest now, Micko. Until we meet again, thank you—for everything.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who travelled to Waterville to pay their respects, to those who rang, sent kind messages, condolences on rip and to the wonderful people of Waterville and Waterville Gaa Club, Eoin, Dan and Fiona in O’Dwyers The Villa for their unwavering support of the O’Dwyer family. We can never truly repay your kindness.

To the many members of the sporting community who wrote such beautiful tributes to his legacy—thank you. The impact he made on so many lives is a testament to the man he was. His passion and pride for the game were woven into every fibre of his being, and that spirit lives on. Though we mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy ensures he will always be with us—in our hearts and by our sides."