The passing of "Ged" O'Dwyer will recall many happy memories to old folk who can remember some of the victories of our Army jumping team during the late 1920s and 1930s. The outstanding personality of that group of young officers was, of course, Major "Ged" O'Dwyer.
In 1926 the government felt that Ireland with its young Army, should offer competition to other countries in show jumping. Accordingly, a group of officers - less than half a dozen - came together, headed by "Ged" and formed the Army Equitation School with its headquarters at McKee Barracks, Dublin.
The personnel of the team soon became household names - Corry, Harty, Aherne, Lewis, O'Dwyer, etc. From the outset they achieved extraordinary success as they went from strength to strength and won Nations' Cups in many countries. The Aga Khan Cup was annexed five times in succession - from 1935 to 1939 and the name of Ireland was heard in many jumping arenas throughout the world.
During these years the partnership of Major O'Dwyer and Limerick Lace (his favourite horse) contributed largely to Ireland's international reputation as victories were recorded "from Dunkirk to Belgrade".
"Ged" had been an active member of the Irish Volunteers during the War of Independence (1917 to 1921). He was wounded in action in 1920 when crown forces surrounded Caherquillamore House near his native Bruff in Co Limerick. Five of his comrades were killed in that engagement and "Ged" is now at rest beside them - in the little cemetery at Grange.
With the passing of the Anglo Irish Treaty in 1921 and the formation of the regular Army, as we now know it, "Ged" had no hesitation in supporting his chief, Michael Collins, and, so he entered the young Army with commissioned rank early in 1922. It was a few years later in 1926 that his love for horses inspired him to form the Army Equitation School.
With the outbreak of the second World War in 1939 and the disbandment of the Equitation School, Ged offered himself for field service and was appointed to the command of the newly formed 18th Infantry Battalion. It embraced over 1,000 men - nearly all from the city of Dublin. He proved himself to be an outstanding natural leader. He was loved by his men, and his unit was regarded at the time, as one of the most efficient in the service.
Towards the end of the Emergency, "Ged" decided that his duties to his country had ended, so he retired from the Army and took up farming in his native Limerick.
His wife died a few years ago, so the sympathy of his many friends goes to his three sons Noel, Frank and Anthony and their extended families in their very sad bereavement. His eldest son, John, died a few years ago.
"Ged" was a great leader, a thorough gentleman and a truly sincere friend. He was 97 years of age.