Middlesex Rugby
Flynn
Michael Leggett-Flynn
1934-2007
David Gershlick writes
Mike Flynn (Flynn) who sadly passed away last October 2007, was a long standing member of Middlesex, lately serving on the Marketing and Club 7’s Committees and as a South Group Representative. His last commission for the County, aptly named Flynn’s Last Mission, was as the Middlesex Charity 7’s official photographer,whose pictures are shown alongside.
After leaving School, Flynn was called up for National Service, serving in the RAF from 1952 to 1960. On returning to London to take up a career in Marketing, Flynn’s love of Rugby Football was soon evident when he “created” the Bloomsbury Baa Baa’s, a well known Sunday side in the ‘60’s; then followed Hampstead RFC which Mike reformed in 1967 after its disbandment following the Great War. Flynn was Hampstead President for many years and on standing down was made Life President. In his later playing days he captained Hampstead’s Vet Team the Hogs where he “played” scrum half.
Flynn’s early claim to fame was the release of two LP records of rugby songs and a paperback book all called the Jock Strap Ensemble which depicted him on the front cover wearing a scrum cap and a Bloomsbury shirt.
Flynn was to become a noted after dinner speaker for many a rugby club and other sporting events, including the commentating at the Charity 7’s. In the 80’s he was often to be heard on national radio as well as on TV to comment on “matters of rugby” and will always be remembered for his outspoken views.
Flynn was first elected to the Middlesex Full Committee in 1986 at the HAC following many years as ground organiser at the 7’s. As a larger than life character, he was well known throughout the rugby and sporting world and his passing will be felt by his many friends and those who enjoyed his genial hospitality in the West car park on International match days at Twickenham.
