Irish strongman champion Pa O’Dwyer dies aged 40

Tributes are flooding in for the ‘Limerick Lion’.

The man, originally from Limerick, holds the record for the most victories in Ireland’s Strongest Man competitions, with five wins.

Dubbed the ‘Limerick Lion’, tributes are flooding in for the father-of-three, with one stating ‘the world has lost the gentlest of giants’.

“Absolutely gutted to hear this. Pa was an absolute legend, not just from a strong man perspective but just the way he came across and what he stood for generally,” wrote another.

One woman added: “We met him at a strongman meet and greet. Absolutely lovely fella. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”

The Irish Strength Association shared the tragic news on Facebook, saying Pa would be ‘a massive loss to the strength community’.

“He was a legend in strength sports in Ireland, winning Ireland’s Strongest Man an unprecedented five times. He went on to represent his beloved Ireland in the World’s Strongest Man,” they continued.

Tributes are even being paid on a global scale from the strength sport community, with the Official Strongman World Tour organisers, Giants Live, sharing they are ‘absolutely heartbroken’.

“A true strongman, an even greater human being, and without doubt one of the funniest, most unforgettable characters the world has ever known,” they wrote.

“Among the many titles he earned, including UK & Ireland’s Strongest Man, the one he cherished most was simply “Dad.” Pa leaves behind his three beautiful children — Sienna, Rocco, and Freddy — and his partner Layna, whom he loved more than life itself, as he would always say,” they added.

A GoFundMe has been set up, with his family’s permission, to help them through this terrible time.

Additionally, among the touching tributes was popular social media strongman Joey Swoll, who said he was ‘devastated’ over the news.

“Thank you for always checking on me, always having my back, and being one of the best people in this industry and on this planet. Prayers to your family and loved ones. You will be more than missed. RIP my brother.”