Tributes have been paid to Limerick man Patrick 'Pa' O’Dwyer, a prominent figure in international strength sports, who died at the weekend aged 40.
Known as the ‘Limerick Lion’, Mr O'Dwyer held the title of Ireland’s strongest man five times and won the UK’s strongest man competition in 2018.
A native of Rathkeale, he began weight training in his late teens building his strength to become one of the best strongmen in Europe.
He was a regular competitor on the Giants Live tour and qualified for the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2020.
The Irish Strength Association described Mr O’Dwyer as "a legend in strength sports in Ireland, winning Ireland’s Strongest Man an unprecedented five times".
"Pa will be a massive loss to the strength community," the association said in a social media post.
Giants Live, a qualifying tour for the World's Strongest Man, said Mr O’Dwyer was "a true strongman, an even greater human being, and without doubt one of the funniest, most unforgettable characters the world has ever known."
The tour said, "Pa brought strength, laughter, and warmth wherever he went. He truly was one of life’s larger-than-life personalities, and anyone who met him will surely have a story to tell."
As well as his athleticism, the strongman was known for his warm personality, engaging and entertaining fans through his social media content.
TV presenter Hector O hEochagáin said he had the pleasure of meeting Mr O’Dwyer on many occasions through work.
"It’s a testament to his character and charm that someone so incredibly strong kept fighting and pushing for those who were feeling so weak," he added.
Mr O’Dwyer’s funeral will take place in Rathkeale on Wednesday.
He is survived by his partner Layna, his three children and his parents, Lena and Seanie.
