Fond memories of ‘Micko' in Moate

The passing last week of legendary gaelic football player and manager Mick O'Dwyer stirred fond memories locally of his kindness during a special visit to an awards event in Moate in the early 2000s.

Local man Billy Browne, who was secretary of Moate All Whites at the time, explained that the club was getting ready for its annual dinner dance and presentations, and that he was given the task of finding a special guest for the night.

“On my way to Granard one day, I got the idea of phoning Micko. Believe it or not, he answered his phone and I explained that I was looking for a guest for our dinner dance,” said Billy.

“He checked his diary, and I couldn't believe it when he said he would do it.

“I then explained to him that I was representing a committee, and I had to ask him how much he would charge the club. He said he would not charge us anything.

“I promised him that I would book a room for him in The Grand Hotel, but again he said there was no need, as he was training Kildare at the time and would be travelling on to Newbridge when the dance was over because he had an early training session with the players on the Sunday morning.

“Luckily enough we had a presentation from the club for Micko on the night, which he reluctantly accepted. He presented the medals, had a word for everyone, and stayed until the night was over.

“I have met him a few times since, and he was always praising the night he spent with the players and members of Moate All Whites.”

Photos of the awards event in 2002, which were published in the Westmeath Independent at the time, showed Mick O’Dwyer presenting the U12 player of the year award to Mark Ennis, the U14 player of the year accolade to Enda Ravenhill and the U16 player of the year award to John Stone.

Billy Browne added that the news of Mick O’Dwyer’s passing had left “a very poignant impression” on him last week.

“On a personal level myself and Margaret had such great chats with him and he was so easy to deal with. Sympathy to all his family, and may his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Mick O'Dwyer died on Thursday, April 3, and was laid to rest in his native Waterville, Kerry, after a funeral Mass on Saturday.

GAA president Jarlath Burns said his passing “marks the loss of not just a Kerry legend but one of the true giants and icons of Gaelic games.

“He was, quite simply, the man with the Midas touch.”