Paul Flynn – Builder of Repute

The construction industry and Roscommon GAA lost a huge presence with the recent passing of Taughmaconnell, native Paul Flynn.
 
Schooled firstly in Taughmaconnell NS and later in the Marist College, Athlone as a border, his first stint in the working life was in Paddy’s Lamb factory but Brother Colman, Marist College got him a start as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor in London in the swinging sixties.
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While possessing a huge work ethic, Paul was not an office man and left eventually to become a shuttering carpenter with his brother Michael. During his London days he met the love of his life, Mela and they married in Harrow and Tara the first of their two girls and four boys arrived to Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow in 1973.

All of the rest of the family Paul, Mark, Anne, John and Nial were Portiuncula babies as the family moved back to Kilgarve to set up Flynn Construction in 1975.

Paul was a major employer back in the 80’s and 90’s initially building council houses throughout the County and then went on to build schools, churches, housing developments, commercial and office units.

Paul was then joined by his daughter, Tara and son Mark in the mid nineties. The firm is now ran by his 2 sons, Mark and John (who also joined the company in 2014) and his daughter Tara.
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His other sons, Paul Junior and Nial also got a great grounding working with their Dad for a number of years. His other daughter Anne, escaped somewhat but is now also married to a builder!
 
His love of GAA was huge since winning a county football title with Taughmaconnell U13's as a ‘no nonsense’ half back. He thrived in the supporters fun of going to Pearses and Roscommon matches with his sons. He loved days out in Croke Park regardless what teams were playing and always saw to it that sponsorship cheques kept the Padraig Pearses dream alive for his generation and the next.
 
He was also a hugely happy person when out socially, favourite haunts of his with family, friends and sporting colleagues, he enjoyed the conviviality and storytelling whether in Egans Pub or indeed Finn's establishment.
 
His integrity in business dealings, his dogged pursuit of quality and exemplary workmanship, sheer determination, and hard work were some of the attributes recalled that allowed him to steer his firm through recessions, economic woes and construction collapse. Many clients over the 50 years of his active involvement in the firm can testify to the craftsmanship, efficiency and durability of what he built for them.
 
However it was to his quiet faith and family of Mela, Tara, Paul, Mark, Anne, John, Nial and 18 grandchildren, his brothers and sisters that commanded his first and final allegiance. He doted upon the newest generation and was steadfast in his support and advice for his own brood, always happiest in their company and epoch marking events.
 
Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a hAnam