The strongman community is mourning the loss of Pa O’Dwyer, who has passed away at age 40. Eddie Hall, Britain’s former World’s Strongest Man, shared an emotional tribute to his friend and fellow competitor, describing O’Dwyer as a special presence in the strength sports world.
“Pa was a proper strongman, a proper legend,” Hall said in a heartfelt YouTube video. “And most importantly, he’s just one of the most funniest, most heartwarming, beautiful characters the strength world has ever seen.”
O’Dwyer’s competitive achievements speak to his incredible athletic ability. The Irish strongman claimed the title of Ireland’s Strongest Man five times and also won the UK’s Strongest Man competition, establishing himself as a formidable force in the sport. However, Hall emphasized that O’Dwyer’s true legacy extended far beyond his physical accomplishments.
“It wasn’t just strong. Loads of people are strong. What made Pa special was his personality,” Hall explained. “He could lift ridiculous weights, but then he could have people in stitches two seconds later. You know, he was just an amazing person.”
Those who knew O’Dwyer remember him as someone who didn’t take himself too seriously and possessed a genuine love for people. Hall recalled how O’Dwyer would reach out during difficult times, always checking in to see if his friends were okay. “He just made the strongman world lighter. Not just stronger, lighter,” Hall said.
Hall also made a social media post on Instagram about his strongman friend.
The strongman community, while small, feels losses deeply due to the tight bonds formed among competitors. “When we lose one of our own, we all feel it because we are just all so close,” Hall noted in the video, highlighting the family-like atmosphere at events like World’s Strongest Man where everyone knows each other intimately.
O’Dwyer leaves behind a young family, including a son whom Hall recently met and described as “the sweetest, kindest, loveliest kid in the world.” In response to the tragedy, Hall announced he would organize a fundraiser to support O’Dwyer’s family during this difficult time.
“If Pa ever made you laugh, he inspired you, he brightened your day in any little way, this is your chance to give back,” Hall said, encouraging the community to contribute what they can.
Hall closed his tribute with gratitude: “Thank you for the laughs, mate. The lifts, the memories. You’re going to be dearly missed, mate. You will be missed, but you won’t be forgotten. I promise you that.”
