MR. MATT FLANAGAN

LEINSTER LEADER 4 APRIL 1970 

MR. MATT FLANAGAN, ex-Garda

The death occurred in Dublin on March 2nd of retired Garda Matt Flanagan, a former Irish heavyweight boxing champion whose career in the ring rates him as one of Ireland’s greatest fighters.

Born in Coolree, Johnstown Bridge, Co. Kildare, 73 years ago, he joined the Garda Siochana in the early years of its formation. He came to the fore in boxing when he won the Irish Cruiserweight title in 1925. The following year he won the Heavyweight title which he held for 3 years, lost in 1930 and regained it in 1931. During the six years in which he was Ireland’s undisputed champion he beat some of the best boxers in Europe and America.

His most outstanding successes included and A.B.A. championship of Great Britain and Golden Gloves title in America. In 1928 he represented Ireland in the heavyweight division of the Olympic Games in Amsterdam and reached the quarter finals.

His last fight was in the Queen’s Theatre, Dublin in 1931. He was attached to the Dublin depot until his retirement 8 years ago. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rita Flanagan, Ellesmere Avenue, N.C.R., Dublin, and by his son and daughter. Other relatives include Messrs. Matthew Flanagan, Thomastown, Enfield and James Flanagan, Dunfierth, Co. Kildare (cousins) and Patrick Loughlin, Cadamstown (nephew). The funeral took place after Mass to Balgriffin Cemetery, Dublin.

Re-typed by Lydia Potts