Ed O’Dwyer

Originally published: Town Tattler Vol 4 Issue 8

Ed O’Dwyer, Boherlahan, Co. Tipperary.

Family

4 sisters, 1 brother.

Earliest Memories

Working in the family business in the village of Boherlahan which was a filling station come one stop for all shop. We bagged coal, spuds, fixed watches and bikes and sold anything else in between.

Family Now

I’m married to Sinead, My Rock, whom I met in Copper Face Jacks in Dublin. We have 3 kids: Tadgh, Erin and Tiernan and 1 dog and 1 cat.

When/Why? How you find the town itself

I found it hard in the beginning as we didn’t know anybody when we moved down. It was when the kids got old enough for school and GAA that I really started to meet people, develop friendships and settle in.

First Involvement/Regrets not playing sooner

I first became involved in Portlaoise GAA when my eldest son Tadgh started training. I very much regret not getting involved myself when we first moved here as hurling has been a lifelong passion of mine.

Kids Involvement

My eldest son Tadgh has played with Portlaoise for many years. He was a late bloomer in GAA as he played soccer from a younger age however, when he committed at age 13, he grew from strength to strength under the mentorship of David Brown and played midfield for the minor team in 2022.

My daughter Erin took up football post covid times and did well in the U13/14 until she decided to commit to Basketball which she had played for many years before.

My youngest son Tiernan is 13 yrs old and lives and breathes GAA, particularly Hurling, like his old man.

Compare home Club

To me Portlaoise GAA has filled a void. As a child, I always had a passion for hurling in my home parish, Boherlahan. When I moved to Dublin, I played with Kevins which was great but to be a part of a club with your children and the community you have chosen to be a part of is an unbelievable feeling.

I have made unreal friendships and will always be grateful for them and Portlaoise GAA.

Immersed yourself/ Why?

I have completely immersed myself in this community because I believe we have something very special. Not only were my children welcomed with open arms but I was too, probably the Tipp blood.

When the walking track was finished, I decided to take full advantage and go for a leisurely jog a few nights a week to both meet people, chat and help the club ignite an ethos of health, community and wellbeing. I still use the track as do many others.

Views on club (hurling, football, social, community, plans etc)

It was clear to me very early on that the dual club ethos in Portlaoise was very strong. While I myself was a hurler, I think kids should be encouraged to play both codes. It builds strength of character and stands to them in later life.

I feel our club is extremely inclusive but we still have work to do to extend our welcome to new community members who might not realise we are here.

Also, with the addition of our new clubhouse we will be in a position to really showcase our community spirit and be a hub for sport and socialisation within the town.

Heroes growing up

My hurling hero growing up was John Leahy, Tipp hurler.

Playing memories back home

I lived in the hurling field in Boherlahan as a young lad and prided myself in being a skilful hurler. I was never the fastest on the field but I was one of the most reliable as my skill and ability to take a free or pop one over the bar was never in question.

I captained Boherlahan to win a minor final in 1996. Proud memory.

Best Player Portlaoise

Cahir Healy.

Best player non-Portlaoise

Ronan Maher, Tipperary.

Best Game

1996 Tipperary County Final, Boherlahan beat Toomevara by one point in the last puck of the game. Also 2010 All Ireland Final: Tipp v Kilkenny. I still follow Tipp as it will always be my county. However, Portlaoise will always be my club.

Split Season view

It works well for clubs but is hard on inter-county players playing all year round with little or no break.

Advice to my younger self

Don’t take your youth for granted. Train hard while you can because it passes very quickly.

Also try to always be in the moment whether training, playing a match or spending time with family and friends. Balance is KING!!!