Willie O’Dea TD was born and raised in Kilteely, Co. Limerick. 

He was educated at the Patrician Brothers College Ballyfin, Co. Laois and UCD where he studied law.

He qualified as a barrister at King’s Inn, Dublin. He has an accountancy qualification from the Institute of Certified Accountants.

He worked as both a barrister and as an accountant before embarking on a career in politics. He also spent some time lecturing in the Law faculty in University College Dublin and in the University of Limerick.

Willie O’Dea is married to Geraldine Kennedy. He writes occasionally for national newspapers.