During his time playing as goalkeeper with the Dubs, Pascal landed an All-Ireland title in 1963 and won three Leinster final medals. He was also a stalwart for St Mary’s GAA Club in his native Saggart and continued playing for the club into his 40s, showing his versatility by playing outfield in his later years.
Pascal was also very much a family-man, devoted to his late wife Jo (Josephine), who passed away in 2021, and their sons and daughters Caroline, Janet, Audrey, Pascal, Michael and Paul. He also greatly cherished his 15 grandchildren. and five great grandchildren.
Paying tribute to Pascal, Cllr Gerry O’Neill said: “I knew Pascal as a lovely person and an all-round great human being. He was originally from Saggart in Dublin but moved to west Wicklow some time ago and lived at Golden Hill in Manor Kilbride.
The late Pascal Flynn.
“He was a great community person and would always lend a helping hand in his own quiet way. He won an All-Ireland with Dublin and was very proud of his Saggart roots and always remained a St Mary’s GAA Club supporter.
“I only bumped into him a couple of months ago and we had a great chat for about an hour. He was someone you always enjoyed meeting and having a talk with. His wife Jo passed away around three years ago and wherever you saw Jo, you always saw Pascal as well. Now Pascal will be laid to rest beside her in Manor Kilbride Cemetery and they will both be reunited again in the heavens.”
Pascal was born in 1937 and lived in the cottages near the church in Saggart village. He always had a great love for football from a young age and played constantly in his back garden before he started playing for St Mary’s U-14s. While he started as an outfield player, he always harboured a keen interest in goalkeeping. Several years later Pascal stepped up to the plate and became the goalkeeper for the senior team.
Dublin’s Mossy Whelan suggested that Pascal should be training with Dublin, and two weeks later he was invited.
The Dublin All-Ireland winning team of 1963, with Pascal second from the right in the back row.
He joined Dublin in 1957 as sub goalie and became first-choice keeper in 1959, following the retirement of Patrick O’Flaherty. He went on to win three Leinster titles with Dublin in 1962, 1963 and 1965 and was between the posts when Dublin defeated a much-fancied Galway side in 1963 to lift the Sam Maguire Cup, the undoubted highlight of Pascal’s playing career.
He finished playing with Dublin in 1965 but continued to line-out for St Mary’s well into his 40s, showcasing his considerable talents by swapping the goalkeeper position for outfield. He also went on to coach and manage teams at St Mary’s and most notably managed the adult side to the Intermediate Championship in 1976. He also served as club chairman.
Paying tribute to Pascal, St Mary’s GAA Club stated: “You will often hear Pascal Flynn’s name mentioned very proudly by club members. He leaves behind quite a legacy in our club and in Dublin football.
“Our executive and members would like to express our sincere sympathy to Pascal’s family on their very sad loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caroline, Janet, Audrey, Pascal, Michael, Paul and all Pascal’s extended family and friends at this difficult time.
“Pascal, thank you for the memories and the years you gave to St. Marys, you will never be forgotten.”
Pascal was also a bookbinder by trade after serving a seven-year apprenticeship in his younger years at Bailey Gibson’s in Dolphin’s Barn.
He established Antiquarian Bookcrafts in the bustling Ballymount Industrial Estate and continued as a bookbinder for all of his working life.
Pascal’s funeral mass was held at St Brigid’s Church, Manor Kilbride on Thursday, followed by his burial at Manor Kilbride Cemetery.
