Tribute to Mick O’Dwyer

Air: The bold Thady Quill 

The 1986 All-Ireland between Kerry and Tyrone final took place on the 21 September. Kerry won the championship following a 2-15 to 1-10 defeat of first-time finalists Tyrone. This was Kerry’s 30th All-Ireland title and their third championship in succession. Kerry's Pat Spillane from Templenoe was the choice for Texaco Footballer of the Year. As of yet it is not known who composed this song.

So here’s to you Micko, you’re the pride of the Kingdom,

For your skill as a player and coach.

When the history pages are finally written

And the legends and tales of our games will be told.

One name will resound from the hilltops of Kerry,

Through the glens and the valleys of his native Iveragh.

This name will be cherished in Kerry forever,

The name will be Micko, the man from Coirean.

In the year eighty six this great panel re-assembled

To endure the torture like so often before.

Of tuning their bodies and lifting their spirits,

To confound the crirics who said they were old.

The man who took charge of this unique panel,

Whose total commitment by now is well known.

In the GAA’s history his achievments are matchless,

The proud son of Iveragh bold Mick from Coirean.

The first major trial was the final in Munster,

When the Kingdom were tested by the men from the Lee.

But the skill from Mike Sheehy well aided by Jacko,

Saw the brave sons of Kerry at full time succeed.

The next test it came from the proud sons of Leinster,

Fifteen Skilful players from the places of Royal Meath.

But try as they may they could never conquer,

The boys coached by Micko whose display was supreme.

The All-Ireland final will long be remembered,

By all those true Gaels who cherish our games.

The boys from Tyrone were eager as beavers,

To wrest from the Kingdom the treasure of fame.

The match it was played at the speed of a swallow,

The skill from each player a treat to the eye.

But try as they may Tyrone could not conquer,

The boys coached by Micko, the man from Coirean.

The boys from the Kingdom again took the laurels,

But the men from Tyrone can justly be proud.

As the spirit this game had been played in did credit,

To Art and his followers from County Tyrone.

So back to the mountains Sam has returned,

With bonfires ablaze reaching up to the sky.

Each townland and village will cheer home their hero,

And jerseys be welcomed by the ‘Bendix’ Machine.