The Rathkeale man died at the weekend aged 40, and is survived by his partner Layna and three children, and his parents and siblings.
Formerly of Carrigkerry, Co Limerick, he also won the UK’s strongest man competition in 2018 and qualified for the World’s Strongest Man contest in 2020.
He began weight training in his late teens and was one of the best-known strongmen in Europe.
The Irish Strength Association described him as a legend in strength sports in Ireland.
“Pa will be a massive loss to the strength community,” the association said in a social media tribute post.
TV presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin, who had met O’Dwyer on a number of occasions, said it was “a testament to his character and charm that someone so incredibly strong kept fighting and pushing for those who were feeling so weak”.
O’Dwyer had a huge audience on social media, and regularly shared videos, often in support of people struggling with mental health.
Pa O’Dwyer. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
The Giants Live qualifying tour for the World’s Strongest Man said O’Dwyer was a true strongman, an even greater human being, and without doubt one of the funniest, most unforgettable characters the world has ever known.
“Pa brought strength, laughter and warmth wherever he went. He truly was one of life’s larger-than-life personalities, and anyone who met him will surely have a story to tell,” it said.
“He earned many titles, but the one he cherished most was simply ‘Dad’”
Former Strongman competitor Eddie Hall also paid tribute to O’Dwyer. The weightlifting champion said he was devastated to learn of the news of his death.
“Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Pa O’Dwyer. A true strongman, an even better human, and one of the funniest characters the world was ever blessed with. Pa brought strength, laughter and warmth wherever he went. He genuinely was one of life’s biggest characters and everyone who ever met him would have a story to tell I’m sure,” he said in a social media message.
Hall launched a GoFundMe page to help the family cover the costs of his funeral and the challenges they face ahead.
The page has already raised over £150,000 (€178,000). On it, Hall wrote that he had launched it “because he deserves to be paid back for all he has given us in this world. He’s made us all laugh. He’s made us all think. He’s made us all better people in some way through his bigger than life character.”
His funeral will take place in Rathkeale on Wednesday.