Former Ireland centre Kevin Flynn dies aged 82

Flynn won 22 caps after 1959 debut and scored famous Twickenham try in 1972

Former Wanderers and Ireland centre Kein Flynn has died aged 82. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Former Wanderers and Ireland centre Kein Flynn has died aged 82. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Wanderers, Leinster and Ireland centre Kevin Flynn (82) has died after a long illness. An outstanding centre, he won 22 caps for Ireland, making his debut in 1959 and his final appearance in a 10-10 draw against New Zealand at Lansdowne Road in 1973.

Amongst other notable achievements was the brilliant try against England at Twickenham in 1972, one of five during his career. Educated at Terenure College, he spent a season at Lakelands - Terenure was then a junior club - before moving to Wanderers, whom he served with distinction as player, coach, selector and president.

He made his Ireland debut against France a month after his 20th birthday in 1959 - he was a member of Wanderers Leinster Senior Cup winning side - and, but for hamstring injuries, would have won many more caps.

He scored two tries against England at Twickenham in 1964 on the same day that Mike Gibson made his debut as an outhalf but it was Flynn’s match winner at the same ground in 1972 that was arguably his most celebrated; the same year that he captained Wanderers to a Leinster Senior League and Cup double.

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His granddaughter Hannah Matthews was a member of the Ireland team that got to the Women’s Hockey World Cup final in 2018.

To his wife, Liz, sons Jeremy, Phillip and Rob and daughter Lisa we offer our sincere condolences. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer