Kerry Gaelic Football legend, Mick O’Dwyer, was today inducted into the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame at a presentation in Dublin.

Mick joins four other legends of Gaelic Football - In 2003 former Offaly footballer, Peter Nolan, became the first member of the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame. Donie O’Sullivan of Kerry was honoured in 2004, in 2005 former Roscommon star, Dermot Earley, was inducted and last year Dublin legend Jimmy Keaveney joined the ranks.

Mick first played for the Kerry Gaelic football team as a minor in 1954, beginning his senior career in 1956. From then until his retirement in 1974 Mick won every honor in the game. His first senior success came in 1959 when he won National Football League and All-Ireland medals playing in the left half back position and won a second medal in 1962. He broke both his legs in 1966 and retired from football for two years but was back to play in the All-Ireland final of 1968.

Mick retired from the sport in 1974 with a grand total of 4 All-Ireland medals with victories in 1969 and 1971. He finished as the GAA top scorer two years in a row in both 1969 and 1970.

He was appointed manager of the Kerry team in 1975 and so began an unrivalled record of success as a Bainisteoir - during his twelve years as manager Mick O'Dwyer's Kerry teams played in ten All-Ireland finals, winning eight of them. He became manager of the Kildare team in 1990, leading them to a Leinster title and an All-Ireland final. In 2006 Mick took his current managerial role leading the Wicklow Senior football team.

Commenting at the presentation, Ciara Kennedy, Business Development Manager, MBNA Ireland said: “Mick O’Dwyer is a true legend of Gaelic Football and his achievements in the game have inspired generation after generation. We are absolutely delighted that Mick has accepted his induction to our MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame which now features five of the greatest ever footballers. They have given so much to the game that we feel it is more than appropriate to give back this acknowledgment for their contribution to the great skill of the sport.”

Over 20 stars of Gaelic Football will compete for the prestigious All-Ireland title at the 8th annual MBNA Kick Fada competition, which will take place on Saturday, September 8th at Bray Emmets GAA Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Kerry Gaelic Football legend Mick O'Dwyer was today inducted into the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame at a presentation in the MBNA offices in St Stephens Green. Here Micko is presented with the Waterford Glass trophy by Ciara Kennedy, Business Development Manager, MBNA Ireland


A pensive O'Dwyer...

- Photos: Ray McManus, Sportsfile