Danno O'Mahony
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|
| Born |
9 September 1912 Ballydehob, County Cork, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Died | 4 November 1950 (aged 38) near Portlaoise, Ireland |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Danno O'Mahoney |
| Billed from | Dereenlomane, Ireland |
| Trained by | Paul Bowser |
| Debut | 1938 |
| Retired | 1948 |
Danno O'Mahony (29 September 1912 – 2 November 1950) was an Irish professional wrestler. His surname was usually spelled "O'Mahoney" during his wrestling career. His signature move was the Irish Whip, which acquired its name due to its association with O'Mahony.
Born in Ballydehob, County Cork, Ireland, O'Mahony would find success as a wrestler becoming the National Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Champion at one point. O'Mahony died in a road accident 2 November 1950 at the age of 38.
In 1933, while serving in the Irish military, O'Mahony distinguished himself as an athlete, setting military records for the hammer throw and the 56-lb. weight throw which were not broken until the 1990s. He also boxed and wrestled, with his repertoire relying heavily on standup grappling and throws.
O'Mahony was brought to America in 1934 by Boston promoter Paul Bowser. Bowser was hoping to create a new Irish star for the ethnic marketplace in New York and New England, in the tradition of 19th-century champion William Muldoon. While searching for the appropriate candidate, Bowser was less interested in their wrestling skills as their looks and physique. An offer to two-time Olympic champion Patrick O'Callaghan was rejected, but the Irishman recommended O'Mahony. Using his Boston connections, Bowser obtained O'Mahony's release from army service. A crash course in wrestling training followed.
O'Mahony's first pro match was in December 1934, against the famed Ed "Strangler" Lewis, but after losing the first fall of a 2-of-3 match in just five minutes, O'Mahony did not return to the ring. Nevertheless, Bowser was satisfied and brought O'Mahony to America. He signed O'Mahony to a $100,000 contract, and promoted him as the strongest man in the world, and the Irish champion who was looking for international competition. His first American match, against the villainous Ernie Dusek, degenerated into a two-on-one brawl against Ernie and his brother Rudy. When O'Mahony knocked both men down, along with the referee, the crowd cheered.
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