14 February 2025 | Tennis Victoria

For 60 years, give or take, Pat Flynn has been synonymous with Country Week tennis. His name carries weight – not just for his remarkable contributions as a player but for his ability to unite his club and rally people together.

Flynn’s love for tennis runs deep, and it’s a family affair. Over the years, his passion has flowed through the generations, with his two sons, Shane and Paul, daughter Mandy, son-in-law Matthew, and two grandsons Joe and Sam, all sharing the love of the game and becoming a part of this yearly tradition.

“It came from my mother, really. My mother was a very, very good tennis player. She grew up at a place out of Wangaratta. She seemed to play most of the tennis in Yarrawonga and she won some big tournaments over there.”

From his first experience at Country Week as a young competitor in 1962 to the 2025 edition at Swan Hill, Flynn has seen it all. His first taste of the tournament came as a bright-eyed 17-year-old, traveling with his local team for a week of competitive but social tennis.

“We had quite a few teams for Wangaratta down there that week. I think just overall, the fact that I was at Kooyong playing tennis there was really enjoyable,” Flynn recalls.

 

A Piece of History

Over the years, Flynn became a staple of the tournament, playing in countless matches, forging friendships, and witnessing the event’s evolution firsthand. He has meticulously collected a folder of memories – match results, photos, hand-written notes, and memorabilia that chronicle a lifetime of Country Week and tennis experiences.

“I’ve collected over the years. It’s not all Country Week. It’s just bits and pieces that I collect. Like that booklet… that goes back to 1960. That was before I even started playing Country Week.”

He flips through the pages, reflecting on legendary stories – matches stretching late into the afternoon, unexpected victories, and of course, the unforgettable off-court moments.

“I keep it in my bag. Makes the bag heavy, I know that. But it’s well worth hanging on to because there are a lot of bits and pieces in here that people would be interested in.”

He’s even kept a running list of teammates he’s played with over the years.

“Over the years, I’ve played with a lot of players. I’ve got a bit of a list here, probably 60-odd names. I’ve got to add another one in because Joe just told me his name’s not on the list.”

 

Unwavering Commitment

While Pat has attended almost too many Country Weeks to count, there have been a few occasions where he was unintentionally sidelined – but even then, he never missed a tournament entirely.

“There are three times I haven’t participated fully in Country Week. One year, I had a hip operation, but I still went. Another year, I had a calf injury the Saturday before we left, but I still made the trip. And there was one year at Kooyong where it rained all Monday and Tuesday. The courts were about a foot under water and Country Week was called off. So, I was there, but I didn’t play those three years.”

His commitment goes beyond playing. Flynn was the long-time club president at Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club and understands the value of community involvement.

“I’ve been over there for 20 years. Barry’s taken the role over now, and we just love the grass courts.”

For Flynn, Country Week and tennis in general is about more than just competition.

“One of the things I say to competitors here, not only from our own teams but from others, is that participation is number one. Just being out there playing, that’s what matters.”

Through his invaluable role as a club leader, Flynn’s journey undoubtably is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering love for the game.

 

The Magic of Country Week

Ask Flynn what makes Country Week special, and he won’t hesitate.

“Meeting the people who I’ve met over all those many, many years from other teams. Only seeing them once a year but picking up where we left off – it’s just fantastic. That’s something I really, really enjoy about Country Week.”

“There are some wonderful people here. I’ve been running into people for the days we’ve been here. It’s just great catching up with everybody.”

One special tradition is rooted quite literally in the grounds of Swan Hill. Out the back of the clubrooms sits a tree offering a shady spot to unwind – a place affectionately known by the Flynn clan as the ‘Tree of Knowledge’.

“At the end of the day, we all sit around and share stories of things that happened the day before, the night before, and even 10 years ago.”

Barry, current Club President of Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club adds, “Pat’s always said the best part of the day is when you finish your tennis, you sit down, relax, enjoy each other’s company. And to be honest, we get to really know our members from our club a lot better at Country Week. You talk about personal life, work life – it really takes things to another level, which is great.”

 

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Flynn’s go his family well and truly hooked on Country Week, continuing his legacy through the generations and making for a special team each year.

“I love playing with my sons Shane and Paul, who’s out on the court at the moment, Joe and Sam who are my two grandsons and Matthew Allen, my son in law.”

“It’s just wonderful playing with my family. I hope they enjoy playing with me,” he laughed.

Barry adds, “It’s a badge of honour to have played a game with Pat Flynn and get on that list of 60 players. Everyone knows how legendary he is and how important he is, not only to our club at home but to Country Week in general. He’s one of the first legends ever inducted, right Pat?”

And of course, Country Week wouldn’t be complete without the off-court traditions.

“We always go out at nighttime as a group to wherever the functions are. We go out as a group and all arrive home at different times – I was first one home last night by a mile!” said Pat.

For Flynn’s children, Country Week has always been part of their lives.

Pat’s son Shane reflected, “When we were kids, every year Dad went off to Country Week, and he was always so excited to go. So I guess we grew up wanting to be a part of it too. And once we got old enough, we got to come here and I suppose, what’s not to love?”

 

The Legacy of a Legend

As Pat reflects on yet another Country Week, Flynn remains as passionate as ever. Asked to describe Country Week in a few words, he doesn’t hesitate.

“Best week’s tennis you ever did. It’s the best week’s tennis.”

Shane adds, “One word? Friendships. You develop a lot of friendships with people from all over Victoria. Even though you don’t see or have any communication with those people throughout the year, you just see them once a year and it’s like they’re your best mates for a week.”

Shane’s son and Pat’s grandson, Joe chimes in, “It’s probably just fun. Have some fun when you’re here – on the court, off the court, seeing mates, meeting new people.”

Barry nods, “I’d say spirit – the spirit of Country Week. In all the years we’ve been coming, I don’t think I’ve seen a blue. Everyone’s here for the right reason, to have a good time. That’s very special when you’ve got so many different people coming from various parts of the country.”

 

Until Next Time

As the sun sets on yet another Country Week, Pat Flynn’s legacy is woven into every match played, every story shared under the ‘Tree of Knowledge’, every page of his history book and every handshake between old friends. Pat himself shows no sign of slowing down and we can’t wait to see him and the family again next year in Shepparton.

Through generations of Flynn family members and countless players who have had the honour of sharing the court with him, Country Week is more than just a tournament – it’s a tradition, a reunion, a celebration of tennis. And thanks to legends like Pat Flynn, it will continue to thrive for generations to come.