'FLYNNER'S MORE THAN A NUMBER IN YOUR LITTLE RED BOOK'
25/12/2009
PADDY KANE would have loved today. He would have been first through the gate.
Paddy was part of the table and chairs at Lawless Memorial Park.
One quip and he'd light up the day. He cheered up all around him.
Fingallians played a big role in his life. He felt at home there.
He won a Junior Football Championship title with Fins back in 1942.
He was proud of the achivement...and rightly so.
Around 90 teams took part in the competition and many of them were Senior.
They said it was the hardest Championship of all to win in Dublin.
Paddy became a referee. And a good one. He's bring a smile to the stage.
Once at the Oval, Jimmy Keaveney missed a penalty. He didn't miss many.
As Jimmy jogged back out, Paddy said "I could have scored that myself."
"Right, you can take the next one," responded Jimmy.
Once when refereeing in Croke Park, Paddy's watch stopped. He had to rely on the Canal End clock.
He took Kevin Moran's name once out on the Galtymore Road.
"Sure, I did nothing, ref," pleaded Kevin.
"I know. I'm just passing on your name to the Dublin selectors."
In those days, the referees were asked by the Dublin County Board to note any good young players they might spot.
Paddy wouldn't have been slow to recommend Paul Flynn. Flynner is a celebrated name on the streets of Swords.
He's a heartbeat of the Fingallians team. When the match is over, you'd think Christy Moore had been wearing his jersey.
One of the most appealing things about Paul is his ability to kick with both feet, and to kick well.
That doesn't happen by accident. It's long hours spent out on the practice range.
There's not many footballers who can use both feet as well as Flynn of the Fins.
It's an example to any young player. Having two strong kicking feet is such an advantage. It helps you out of the traffic.
It's not only on the pitch that Paul puts in the time. Off it, he's been brilliant to Fins.
"He never says no," explains club PRO, Paul Gormley. "He just fabulous with the kids.
"He'll present cups, medals, do coaching, give a talk, whatever.
"Paul is just incredible. He is so generous with his time.
"He must dread seeing my number coming up on his phone, but he couldn't be more obliging."
Paul is reading off the same page as the great Paddy Kane.
That's the attitude that will continue to see Fins flourish long into the future.
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