Pa O'Dwyer Family, Networth: How Partner Layna Foley Is Coping as GoFundMe Hits $100,000

In the world of professional strength, few names commanded as much respect or affection as the 'Limerick Lion'. But today, the heavyweights of the arena feel secondary to the heavy hearts of a global community. Patrick 'Pa' O'Dwyer, the five-time Ireland's Strongest Man champion whose charisma matched his colossal physical power, has passed away at the age of 40.

The news, which broke on Saturday, 4 January 2026, has sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving fans and fellow athletes grappling with the sudden loss. Attention has turned to the family he left behind: his long-time partner, Layna Foley, and their three children. A GoFundMe campaign to support them has already raised over £94,000.

Pa O'Dwyer's Net Worth

In the world of professional strength athletics, income is rarely a single salary. For the 'Limerick Lion', his net worth was built through a combination of competitive success, high-profile visibility, and business ventures. Estimates within the professional strongman community and sports finance circles typically place the value of his career and assets between £420,000 and £1.26 million.

Despite his success, O'Dwyer often spoke candidly about the high costs of the sport. Maintaining a 10,000-calorie daily diet consisting of steaks, venison, and specialised supplements can cost an athlete upwards of £16,800 per year alone.

Despite his success, O'Dwyer often spoke candidly about the high costs of the sport. Maintaining a 10,000-calorie daily diet consisting of steaks, venison, and specialised supplements can cost an athlete upwards of £16,800 per year alone. The fact that a GoFundMe page was established following his death—quickly raising over £94,000—highlights that while he was successful, the sudden loss of a primary earner in a high-cost sport can leave a family in a vulnerable position.

A Legendary Career

O'Dwyer did not just compete; he dominated. He famously became only the second Irishman to ever clinch the UK's Strongest Man title in 2017, a feat that solidified his status as a premier athlete on the world stage. However, it was his unprecedented five victories as Ireland's Strongest Man that truly defined his competitive career.

The Irish Strength Association, in an emotional tribute, noted: 'Pa was a legend in strength sports in Ireland... He went on to represent his beloved Ireland in the World's Strongest Man.' His presence on social media was equally formidable. With 630,000 followers on Instagram, O'Dwyer used his platform to share a mix of brutal training sessions and genuine, often humorous, insights into his life. His final post, shared just days before his passing, has now become a place of pilgrimage for grieving fans.

His influence extended far beyond the gym; he was a mentor and a beacon of positivity for many who saw him as more than just an athlete, but as a 'gentle giant' who advocated for mental health and resilience.

A 'Gentle Giant' and Devoted Father

While his professional accolades were numerous, O'Dwyer often spoke of his family as his greatest achievement. Although not married, he had shared a life with his long-time partner, Layna Foley, since 2016.

He was a devoted father to three children: his daughter Sienna, born in 2010, his son Rocco, born in 2011, and his youngest son, Freddy. The title he reportedly cherished most wasn't 'Champion', but simply 'Dad'.

Community Rallies to Support Family

In the wake of this sudden tragedy, the strongman community has rallied with the same intensity O'Dwyer brought to the platform. Fellow legend and close friend Eddie Hall has spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign to support O'Dwyer's partner and children through the practical challenges that lie ahead. The fundraiser, which set an ambitious goal of £130,000, has already seen an extraordinary outpouring of generosity, raising over £94,000 in less than 48 hours.

As the world of strength mourns one of its most unforgettable characters, the focus remains on ensuring the 'Limerick Lion' receives a farewell befitting a king. For a man who spent his life lifting the heaviest of burdens, his community is now stepping up to carry the weight for the family he left behind.