'Don't take any risks' - bereaved son

The Flynns were a hardworking and content farming family like any other back in 2012 but, in an instant, their lives were to change forever. Brenda Flynn fondly recounts how her husband Kieran (pictured), then just 49 years of age, was the anchor of their family and the main dynamic force behind the running of the farm.

Then on July 14, 2012, in the townland of Cormaddyduff, Virginia, while out in a field baling, a tragic accident occurred and Kieran lost his battle for life three days later at Cavan General Hospital.
Almost four years family, friends and neighbours have banded together and formed a committee to organise the 20-mile Kieran Flynn Memorial Tractor Run for Sunday, May 22, in aid of the Farm Accident Support Group (Embrace Farm).
Kieran was baling with his son Gerry (then 14 years) when the accident happened. “He [Kieran] walked down a slope in the field and slipped. We don’t know what he slipped on. There were bales to his left and right - he was not hit by a bale. He had no big breakages or bruising. The injury was caused by the bang to his neck when he fell. He fractured three vertebrae in his neck. He survived for three days,” Breda tells us of that fateful day.
Kieran was severely brain damaged by the time he left the field.

Take care
His son Gerry, now 18, is urging people to be careful when working on farms. “If you are working with machinery on your own, don’t take any risks,” he appeals. Gerry also points out that a farm is not a playground and implores farmers to take care particularly during the busy silage making season.
The family worked a dairy farm while Kieran was alive but have since turned to dry stock farming. Gerry has two siblings - a sister Kate (24) and a brother Sean (22).
Kieran’s sister Geraldine Smith said her deceased younger brother worked at farming all his life. “Kieran was an excellent dairy farmer, father, brother and son.”
Wife Brenda says that the family still miss Kieran whose mother Kathleen (87) has also had to deal with the loss of her son. The family attend the Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service on the last Sunday of June each year. They also attend meetings in Mullingar.
It was following a conversation with local councillor Paddy Smith (FG) that the idea for the tractor run was born. The cathaoirleach proceeded to make contact with some people and soon a committee was in place.
Cathal Denning a member of the committee and the Crosskeys Vintage Club told the Celt that they take part in around 10 tractor runs per year.
Volunteer Dan Maguire explained that he was part of the committee that organised the Martin Cadden Tractor run to raise funds for the Kevin Bell Foundation and is hoping that this tractor run will be as great a success.

'Life turns upside down’
Another committee member, Fergal Brady revealed that his own father was killed on the farm by a cow around 20 years ago. “Obviously I can emphathise with what the Flynn’s have gone through. You get a phone call and your life turns upside down and your life as you know it stops”.

About Embrace Farm
A voluntary organisation established in 2014, Embrace Farm helps families through difficult times that follow an accident (fatal or non-fatal). Brenda says that the organisation provided practical support and professional help to families at their greatest time of need and “were a tremendous help to us”.
“To show our appreciation, we are organising this tractor run to try and raise some much-needed financial help for Embrace so that they can continue to reach out and help other victims and families affected by farm accidents,” she explained of their motivation.
“On the day of the tractor run, we are also organising an auction and raffle.
“We would be grateful if you would kindly consider contributing an item for this or making a donation to Embrace,” urged Brenda.
The run
The 20 mile tractor run will commence at the Cattle Mart in Ballyjamesduff on Sunday, May 22, at 1pm and will proceed to Oldcastle and back towards Virginia and back to Ballyjamesduff and the registration is €20 per tractor. The auctioneer on the day will be Adrian McCabe.
You can check out ongoing details about the run at the Kieran Flynn Tractor Run on Facebook. Contact Gerry Flynn 086-8940751, Geraldine Smith 086-8221061 or Paddy Smith 087-6279510.