Cork GAA wish to be associated with tributes to Mick O’Dwyer;

_{Cork GAA wish to be associated with the many tributes being paid to legendary Kerry footballer and manager, Mick O’Dwyer, on the sad occasion of his passing.}

_{In the storied rivalry between Cork and Kerry over many decades, Mick O’Dwyer was a central figure, from his debut in 1954 to his last year as a player in 1974, when Cork won the Munster title a year after their famous All-Ireland triumph in 1973. He won four All-Ireland medals as a player. In 1975, he took over as manager of the Kerry team and presided over a glorious era, where Kerry won eight All-Ireland titles over a twelve year period. This era saw some memorable clashes between Cork and Kerry, and few in attendance will forget the dramatic Munster Final draw and replay in the old Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 1976, with the replay viewed at the time as one of the greatest games ever; or the dramatic finale in the 1983 encounter, when Tadhg Muphy’s last gasp goal denied Kerry a ninth consecutive Munster title.}

_{Although Cork and Kerry were intense rivals over the course of Mick O’Dwyer’s career with Kerry, there was always great mutual respect between the two counties, and an appreciation of the distinct and unique nature of the rivalry. Mick O’Dwyer played a major role in this. The Cork GAA community holds Mick O’Dwyer’s achievements and his contribution to the evolution of football with high regard, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and to the Kerry GAA community who mourn his loss. Suaimhneas síoraí dó.}