Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Darragh Culhane

George Hook recalls how Kevin Flynn missed London night out after famous England try

Rugby pundit George Hook has remembered how match-winning hero Kevin Flynn missed a big night out in London after scoring a late try against England in 1972.

Flynn passed away this week aged 82 and the former Irish international is fondly remembered for his famous try at Twickenham.

He played for Ireland 22 times across three decades, having made his debut in a 9-5 victory against France at Lansdowne Road in 1959.

Among the five tries he scored for his country was a famous one against England at Twickenham in 1972.

Ireland trailed 12-7 with just three minutes to go in the match before Barry McGann dropped a goal to make it 12-10.

Moments later, Flynn, at the age of 32, got the winning try which led to brilliant celebrations in the very vocal Irish sections of the stadium. Tom Kiernan converted and Ireland won the game 16-12.

And in a documentary remembering the famous match, George Hook recalled how Flynn missed the celebratory night out as his wife travelled over to celebrate with him.

He said in the documentary: "We've won our first two games away from home and a triple crown and Grand Slam is on the cards.

"That night the Irish team were set to paint London red. Kevin Flynn gets a phone call from Aer Lingus to say they've held a flight and his wife has come out to celebrate with him.

"So while 14 victorious Irish players go on the rant, Kevin is waiting in the hotel for his dearly beloved to arrive in the hotel courtesy of Aer Lingus."

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.