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06 Jan 2026

Funeral arrangements for ‘Limerick Lion’ who leaves a huge void in Ireland and across the world

A GoFundMe page set up to cover the costs of Pa O'Dwyer's funeral and support his partner and three children has raised almost €175,000

Funeral arrangements for ‘Limerick Lion’ who leave a huge void in Ireland and across the world

One in a million: Limerick's Lion, the late Pa O'Dwyer

FUNERAL arrangements have been announced of the late Patrick (Pa) O’Dwyer, who has left a huge void in the hearts of his family, friends and the strongman community in Ireland and across the world.

The death notice of the ‘Limerick Lion’ on rip.ie says that Pa, of Rathkeale and formerly Rooska East, Carrigkerry, County Limerick passed away suddenly on January 3, aged 40.

READ NEXT: Heartbreaking recent post sums up late ‘Limerick Lion’ Pa O'Dwyer as €120,000 donated in a day

The former firefighter holds the records for winning Ireland’s Strongest Man competition an incredible five times.

Pa was the second ever Irishman to win the UK’s Strongest Man and earned the nickname the ‘Limerick Lion’. In more recent years he turned to coaching with his own website and huge social media following.

The esteem he is held in is reflected by a GoFundMe page set up to cover the costs of Pa’s funeral and support his partner and three children into the future. The GoFundMe, set up by former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall - The Beast, has raised almost €175,000 thus far.

Pa will repose at his parents residence at Rooskagh East, Carrigkerry, Athea, County Limerick (Eircode V94 TF2K) on Tuesday, January 6 between 4pm and 8pm.

Arriving at St. Mary’s Church, Rathkeale, on Wednesday, January 7 for 11.30 requiem Mass with burial afterwards in Monagea cemetery.

Family flowers only are requested in his death notice with donations to a charity of your choice.

Pa is forever loved and deeply missed by his partner Layna, his children Sienna, Rocco and Freddy, his parents Lena and Seanie, his brothers and sisters Siobhan, Kris, Sean and Liam, grandparents Sean and Chris Kelly, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, his many friends, teammates, sponsors and “all who were inspired by his kindness, humour and strength”.

May he rest in peace.

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