Bodybuilder Pa O’Dwyer, won multiple strongest man awards in Ireland and the UK, was praised as a man who loved his children and partner “more than life itself”
Strongman Eddie Hall led tributes to “big character” bodybuilder Pa O’Dwyer who tragically died at the age of 41.
Giant of UK strongman contests Pa was praised for his warm character, sense of humour and immense strength that saw him notch a record five wins as Ireland’s Strongest Man. The “Limmerick Lion” laboured n roads in his 20s before he moved into serious weight training.
He went on to establish himself as one of Europe’s strongest men and he even went on to win the UK’s Strongest Man competition back in 2018. Hall, who won the strongest Man contest in 2017 said he was “absolutely devastated” to learn of his death.
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He said: “Pa brought strength, laughter and warmth wherever he went. Pa leaves behind 3 beautiful children, Sienna, Rocco and Freddy and partner Layna, who he loved more than life itself he would always say.”
Hall has since shared a link to a GoFundMe page in Pa’s memory that will send funds to support his family. The campaign has so far raised £73,600 out of a £130,000 target.
Hall added in the campaign that Pa had a “whole family that loved and adored him” and that his death had left behind a “massive hole, emotionally and practically.” To view the campaign, click here.
Many people paid tribute to Pa online, with many praising the “funny likeable man” who recently shared a video of himself playing with Lego alongside his son. A post on Reddit said: “This legitimately makes me so sad. He was such an incredibly kind and empathetic human. I cannot fathom this.”
The Daily Star added anther commented: “He seemed such a gent And a true great of Irish sport.” The Irish Strength Association said in a statement that Pa was “a legend in strength sports in Ireland.”
Giants Live, the primary qualifying tour for the World’s Strongest Man, continued: “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.”
