Strongman Eddie Hall has led tributes to bodybuilder Pa O'Dwyer, who has died at the age of 41. O'Dwyer, known as the 'Limerick Lion', was a five-time winner of Ireland's Strongest Man and won the UK's Strongest Man competition in 2018.
Hall, who won the World's Strongest Man title in 2017, said he was 'absolutely devastated' by the news. 'Pa brought strength, laughter and warmth wherever he went,' Hall said. 'Pa leaves behind three beautiful children, Sienna, Rocco and Freddy, and partner Layna, who he loved more than life itself.'
O'Dwyer worked on roads in his 20s before taking up serious weight training. He became one of Europe's strongest men and was described by Hall as a 'big character' with a warm personality and sense of humour.
A GoFundMe page set up in O'Dwyer's memory to support his family has raised over £73,600, with a target of £130,000. Hall said O'Dwyer's death had left a 'massive hole, emotionally and practically' for his family.
Giants Live, the primary qualifying tour for the World's Strongest Man, paid tribute: 'Pa brought strength, laughter, and warmth wherever he went. He truly was one of life's larger-than-life personalities.' The Irish Strength Association called him 'a legend in strength sports in Ireland.'
