Patrick (aka Pat, Patsy, Paddy) J. Flynn was an accomplished Irish American athlete, an Olympic silver medalist and a war veteran.

Following the outbreak of the war, Flynn shelved his dreams of an Olympic medal and enlisted in the 165th Infantry Regiment in the spring of 1916; he would become a Sergeant.

In July 1918 whilst fighting the Germans in France he was shot in his left arm during an act of heroism: While Ryan had to lie in a depression and try to keep up the spirits of his followers by calling to them.

When his voice failed him, Paddy Flynn, a clean-cut young Irish athlete, came and lay alongside him and coached the team like a captain on the base lines.

As he raised his head to call he was hit on the cheek, but he kept on urging resistance until he was finally wounded severely.On the Ourcq River, the 69th put up what has been called one of the greatest fights of that terrible war when it forced a crossing without artillery support and, fighting alone on the enemy's side of the river, with its flanks unsupported, engaged a Prussian Guards Division and forced it to retire.

It was an incredible feat of arms...When news of Flynn's injury made it back to the US, The New York Times published a short article about him.

He fell at one of the water jumps and was beaten to the tape by the favourite Percy Hodge (GBR); Flynn won the silver medal.

Though his athletic accomplishments occurred nearly a century ago, Flynn's home town of Ballinadee in West Cork has not forgotten him and continues to celebrate his memory.

Flynn's achievements were acknowledged again on 7 June 2015 in the inaugural Knocknacurra 7 Mile Road Race organised by Kilmacsimon Swimming and Rowing Club.