Denis Flynn or “Skippy” was born in 1948. He grew up in Ballydesmond, County Kerry, Ireland and describes it as a beautiful place. He lived with his parents, three sisters and four brothers, and he has a very special bond with his siblings.
Denis loved playing Gaelic football when he was young. His parish didn’t have a team, so he would travel to the nearby village of Cullen to play football there. He did not enjoy school very much and didn’t have a favourite teacher, but he still remembers his childhood fondly. Denis supported Manchester United back then, and he still does to this day.
On the 10th of August 1963, Denis and his family had to move to Northampton, due to the lack of work in Ireland. Soon after, he started school in the town. He mostly enjoyed socialising and playing sports and was known for always being positive and joking with his friends. Denis left school at the age of 14.
He played corner forward position for the Sons of Erin Gaelic Football Club from age 17, all the way to age 48! His father always went to his matches and was his biggest supporter. He also played for a local soccer team, Oakley Diamonds, and as he says he was “fairly speedy”! His favourite Kerry footballer of all time is Mick O’Connell.
Growing up, Denis said he did not have a dream job. His first job was in a shoe factory in Northampton. After that he worked as a bus conductor on the town buses, and then he worked in the building trade driving machines. His work took him all over the country, and he really enjoyed it. Denis retired at the age of 67 and has many memories looking back. Today, he is enjoying every minute of retirement and is still enjoying life.
When he was 20, Denis married his wife Pam, and they since have been together for 56 years. He says it is the best thing that ever happened to him. Denis and his wife have travelled to many places together including Ireland, Spain, France, and Canada. They also have two sons, and one of them moved back to Ballydesmond 25 years ago. In fact, all of Denis’s siblings moved back to Ballydesmond except him, but he still visits when he can, and loves Ireland.
Denis has always been very active in Northampton’s Irish community. He once had to take ten weeks off work due to illness, and nearly lost his home because of this. The local Irish community rallied around and helped him, fundraising so that he wouldn’t lose his home. He never forgot that.
As a result he spent many years raising funds and helping others. In recognition of these efforts, he won the Irish Person of the Year in 2010, which he is very proud of.
Denis Flynn is a very inspirational person. He is is very positive and funny to be around, and
someone who will never fail to put a smile on someone’s face. He said the advice he would give to others is to be happy, keep striving for the best that you can be, and never give up on your hopes and dreams. He would also want people to be positive and ignore others who try to knock them down. Denis believes that we are so lucky to be alive.
Denis Flynn says he “has had a wonderful life so far, with many experiences and adventures, which have been such a pleasure”.
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