Thomas M. O’Flynn

Thomas M. O’Flynn was born in 1879 in the rural townland of Kilnagross, County Leitrim. From an early age, he followed a path into education, joining the ranks of National Teachers who played a central role in Ireland’s local communities during the early twentieth century. O’Flynn taught in several schools across his native county, including Liscarbin and Kiltoghert, and later became Principal Teacher at Kilbride National School in Hillstreet. He served in that role until his retirement in 1943.

Alongside his career in the classroom, O’Flynn was a passionate scholar of Irish history and culture. A fluent Irish speaker, he contributed regularly to literary and historical journals and was widely recognized for his engagement with Ireland’s cultural revival. His best-known work, History of Leitrim (1937), offered a clear and accessible account of the county’s long and varied past. Published in Dublin by C. J. Fallon, the book explored Leitrim’s development from ancient times through early Christian monasticism and the Gaelic lordships of Bréifne, up to the modern period. The work has remained a valuable reference for both local historians and the general public.

O’Flynn’s earlier publication, History of Europe from Napoleon (1917), was an educational text produced by the Educational Company of Ireland. Intended for classroom use, it reflects his dual interests in history and pedagogy, and his commitment to making historical knowledge accessible to students and general readers alike.

In addition to prose, O’Flynn wrote poetry that drew deeply on the mythologies and historical figures associated with the region of Bréifne. His poems, many of which appeared in Irish literary journals, contributed to the broader cultural movement that sought to recover and celebrate the traditions of Gaelic Ireland.

Following his retirement, O’Flynn continued to live in County Leitrim, settling in Kiltyclogher. He died in 1964 and was buried in Kiltoghert Cemetery after a mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Kiltyclogher. His obituary, published in the Roscommon Herald, highlighted not only his contributions to the field of local history, but also his influence as a teacher, poet, and respected member of the community. He was survived by his second wife, Mrs. Eva O’Flynn; several children, including daughters in religious service in France and Canada; and extended family members living in Ireland, England, and the United States.

O’Flynn’s legacy endures through his writings, particularly his history of County Leitrim, which continues to inform and inspire those interested in the region’s heritage. As both educator and historian, he exemplified the influential role of teachers in shaping and preserving Ireland’s local and national identity during a period of significant cultural transformation.