Sad passing of Mel O'Flynn

The death has occurred of Mel O’Flynn, a legendary figure in the theatrical and artistic world of Athlone and the wider Midlands.

Mel O’Flynn (née Wall), Ashley Crescent, Athlone, died peacefully today, Saturday.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Eado and son Ian, she is sadly missed by her loving daughters Melanie and Ciara, sisters Pauline and Yvonne, brother Brian, sons-in-law Dan and Seamus, grandchildren Danielle, Aisling, Sarah and Aoife, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and friends.

A native of Loughrea, Co. Galway, she moved to Athlone in the 1950s with her husband.

A hugely talented actor and director, the late Ms O’Flynn had six decades of involvement with Athlone Little Theatre, with which she became synonymous and was a former president.

She began her involvement in Athlone Little Theatre in the late 1950s and her talent on the stage earned her the Best Actress Award at the All Ireland Drama Festival in 1960 for her role as Romaine in Witness for the Prosecution for the local group.

She continued to take to the stage for the theatre for decades before turning her attention to directing plays in the early 1990s. She continued to direct right up to 2019 when she was the driving force for the Little Theatre’s production of Conor McPherson’s The Weir.

Her passion for the theatre also resulted in a lifelong involvement with the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone, of which she was honorary life president and she also performed on stage with Athlone Musical Society.

Her involvement in the world of theatre and culture in Athlone was marked with a Cathaoirleach Award from Westmeath County Council in 2010.

Outside the world of theatre, she was a prominent antique dealer and operated a popular local business Arcadia Antiques for many years from the 1960s into the 2000s.

She was the first female president of Athlone Chamber of Commerce and was one of the founder members of Athlone Literary Festival.

The late Ms O’Flynn will repose at Flynn's Funeral Home, The Strand on Monday evening from 5.30pm until 7pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday in St. Mary's Church at 10.30am followed by burial afterwards in Cornamagh Cemetery.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired in lieu to https://www.cancer.ie/ways-to-help/donate/donate

Those unable to attend or just wish to live stream Mel's Funeral Mass can do so here

Mel's family are very mindful of the risk of spreading Covid-19, and those attending the funeral are respectfully requested to observe social distancing, wear a face covering at all times and avoid shaking hands and hugging.