James Flynn

Who was James Flynn?

James Flynn was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Irish general labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Cuilkillew, Addergoole, Co Mayo, Ireland, Flynn was part of the ill-fated group known as the “Addergoole Fourteen,” a collection of Irish emigrants seeking new opportunities in America.

Early Life and Family

James Flynn entered the world on September 9, 1883, in the rural community of Cuilkillew, Addergoole, Co Mayo, Ireland. He was baptized just four days later on September 13, a testament to the strong Catholic faith of his family.

Family Background

Flynn’s parents were:

• Father: James Flynn (b. 1841), a farmer
• Mother: Anne Canavan (b. 1847)

James was one of eight children born to his parents, with seven surviving infancy. His siblings included:

• Mary (b. 1869)
• Michael (b. 1879)
• Patrick (b. 1881)
• Anthony (b. 1885)
• Bridget (b. 1887)
• Thomas (b. 1889)
• Annie (b. 1896)

The Flynn family was deeply rooted in Irish culture, speaking both Irish and English, which was common for rural families of the time.

Life in Cuilkillew

What was James Flynn’s occupation before emigrating?

According to the 1901 and 1911 censuses, James Flynn lived with his family in Cuilkillew. On both records, he was described as an unmarried farmer’s son. This indicates that he likely worked alongside his father on the family farm, learning the trade and contributing to the household income.

The Decision to Emigrate

James Flynn’s decision to leave Ireland was influenced by his younger brother Anthony, who had previously emigrated to the United States and settled in Manhattan. The promise of opportunities in America and the presence of family overseas likely motivated James to make the life-changing decision to cross the Atlantic.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Travel Details

• Date of Embarkation: April 11, 1912
• Port of Embarkation: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland
• Ticket Number: 364851
• Ticket Cost: £7, 15s
• Class: Third Class

James Flynn boarded the Titanic as part of a larger group from his local area, known as the Addergoole Fourteen. This group was led by Catherine McGowan and included Flynn’s relatives Mary and Patrick Canavan, as well as Annie Kate Kelly.

The Addergoole Fourteen

The Addergoole Fourteen has become a poignant symbol of the tragedy’s impact on small Irish communities. This group of emigrants from the parish of Addergoole in County Mayo represented a significant portion of the local population, and their loss was deeply felt back home.

Final Moments and Legacy

Tragically, James Flynn did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. The loss of Flynn and many of his traveling companions had a profound impact on the Addergoole community, which continues to commemorate their memory to this day.

Family Aftermath

While James Flynn’s journey ended in tragedy, his brother Anthony’s American dream continued. Anthony, who had inspired James’s emigration, remained in New York and later moved to Staten Island. He lived out his life in America until his death in 1966, carrying with him the memory of his brother and the unfulfilled promise of their reunion.

James Flynn’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the hopes and dreams that were aboard the Titanic, and the far-reaching impact of the disaster on families and communities across Ireland and beyond. His legacy lives on through the annual commemorations in Addergoole and the enduring interest in the Titanic’s ill-fated passengers.