Hulking bodybuilder Patrick “Pa” O’Dwyer was remembered as a “gentle giant” by mourners at his funeral following his sudden death of a suspected heart attack last week
Strongman Eddie Hall was among the mourners who paid tribute to bodybuilder Pa O’Dwyer at his funeral mass after his shock death.
The towering figure, real name Patrick, was remembered as a “gentle giant who really cared for people” as he was laid to rest in County Limerick on Wednesday.
The doting dad-of-three died suddenly aged 40 last week, leading to an outpouring of grief, including from singer Una Healy, who described him as a “wonderful human”.
His heartbroken brother Seán O’Dwyer told mourners at St Mary’s Church in Rathkeale: “Patrick was a gentle giant who really cared for people.”
It was heard that Pa – whose nickname was the Limerick Lion and won the title of Ireland’s strongest man a record five times – said his greatest joy came after receiving a letter of thanks from the father of a bullied teenage boy who had reached out for help.
Pa had offered the lad advice and guidance and his dad wrote that his son had found his confidence and “tells everyone that Pa O’Dwyer is a giant”.
Seán drew laughter from the congregation when he quipped: “Patrick was a man of many talents, he was a farmer, a builder, a bouncer, a fireman, an astronaut – most of these are true.”
He paid tribute to staff at the University Hospital Limerick for their efforts to save Pa when he took ill on January 3 and he poignantly added that if the love Patrick’s family and friends felt for him could have saved him, he would have “lived forever”.
Pa, a prominent figure in international strength sports, died of a suspected heart attack last week, leaving behind his heartbroken partner and three children.
The towering figure in UK strongman competitions was celebrated for his friendly nature, humour and extraordinary power by friends, including Eddie Hall, who attended his funeral. Also seen at the funeral were fellow strong men the Stoltman brothers, Luke and Tom.
Eddie revealed on social media that a staggering £180,000 had been raised for Pa’s family, who he promised would be “looked after”.
He wrote: “Rest Easy My friend. Thank you to everyone that has donated and helped make Pa and his whole family know just how loved he was.
“The whole strongman community shined through and delivered a monumental service to Pa in so many ways today… more ways than just his funeral.
“Pa you were one in a million and I’ll never forget you brother, rest in power big guy and save me a seat right next to the funniest guy in heaven. See you at the gates of Valhalla brother. Big Love, The Beast.”
Pa had a huge audience on social media, where he shared touching videos, often in support of people struggling with mental health.
Eddie, from Staffordshire, previously said of his friend: “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.”
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