Irish Citizen of the Year 2026

Every year since 1978, The Athletic Club and now the Athletic Club Foundation has selected an Irish Citizen of the Year. This honor goes to a man or woman who exemplifies the spirit of their Irish heritage through their continued service to the Indianapolis community, to their family and other selfless acts that personify being Irish.

2026 IRISH CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – THE 14 MEMBERS OF THE FLYNN CLAN

The Athletic Club Foundation has selected the descendants of Jack and Nancy Flynn as the Irish Citizens of the Year for 2026.

Each year, The Athletic Club Foundation awards the Irish Citizen of the Year honor to an individual or family who exemplifies the spirit of their Irish heritage through their continued service to the Indianapolis community, to their family and other selfless acts that personify being Irish.

Jack and Nancy Flynn grew up in Indianapolis, were married at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in 1944, and had 14 children: Micheal, Kathy, Maureen, Ellen, John, Tom, Patrick, Lawrence, Peggy, Brian, Sheila, Karen, Kevin and Marianne. Each sibling in their own way has contributed to their Irish heritage and supported the community in Indianapolis. Jack's family emigrated from County Cork and Nancy's family were Ryans who came from County Tipperary in Ireland.

John and Tom took over their father’s independent insurance agency, JW Flynn, which is now EPIC Insurance.  Pat Flynn ran the Bulldog for many years until he opened his own family-friendly Irish pub restaurant called Pat Flynn’s at 52^nd and Allisonville. It became Murphy’s@Flynns upon his retirement.  Many of the Flynn’s have run their own independent businesses as well, including Michael, Kathy, Ellen, Lawrence, Shiela, Kevin and Karen. Sheila Flynn Sullivan is an attorney and owner/partner at Flynn & Sullivan PC and Kevin is CEO of CVR, Indiana’s longest running advertising and PR firm. 

Many of the siblings attribute their drive and ambition to Jack and Nancy who, as part of the greatest generation, worked hard without complaint, and always took care of those in need. They were active members of the Indianapolis Athletic Club as were many of their children.  Nancy could always be found with a group of friends in lawn chairs on Meridian St. right in front of the doors of the IAC on St. Patrick’s Day to watch the parade pass by.

“We are honored to be selected as Irish Citizens of the Year,” said Kevin Flynn, a board member of the Athletic Club Foundation. “My brothers carried the banner in the first parade and for many years as part of the Notre Dame Club of Indianapolis, and I am happy to keep the tradition alive for so many new generations to experience. The Flynn's are very proud of our Irish heritage.”

"I remember fondly spending Saturdays in the winter at the IAC.  Our dad would drop us off on his way to the office, and we were lucky enough to get to swim, bowl and have lunch on our own.  It was quite a place."