Father Flanagan Visitor Centre

11/09/2026

Mass of Thanksgiving for Venerable Edward Flanagan will be celebrated at Dowd Chapel, Boys Town.
Watch online on Sunday 13th September at 10.30pm.

27/08/2026

On this day in 1904, 18-year-old Edward Flanagan stepped onto American soil after leaving Ireland with his siblings, Patrick and Nellie. As their ship arrived at Ellis Island, this photograph captured a moment that likely felt uncertain, hopeful, and life-changing. Edward and Patrick can be seen in the front right, wearing caps.

No one on that crowded dock could have imagined the impact that young immigrant would one day have. After settling in Omaha, Edward founded Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home in 1917, dedicating his life to children who needed love, guidance, and a place to belong.

More than a century later, his mission lives on through Boys Town, and this year Father Flanagan was declared Venerable on his path to sainthood.

22/08/2026

Heritage Week Event

We had a great attendance at our event at the Father Flanagan Visitor Centre on Friday 21st August.

The afternoon consisted of a tour of the Memorial Garden & Visitor Centre, followed by a virtual presentation from Mr. Tom Lynch, Historian & Director of Community of Programs at Boys Town.

Thank you to all of those who attended the event and made the afternoon such a memorable one.

Roscommon Heritage News & Info
Boys Town
Father Edward J. Flanagan

21/08/2026

"The kindest person he had met since his parents died."

Those were the words James Hackett used to describe Father Flanagan after meeting him as a child in Ireland in 1946.

Nearly 80 years later, his family is sharing the story behind a photograph that preserved that moment forever. 🔗 in comments.

18/08/2026

On Friday 21st August, celebrate National Heritage Week with a visit to the Father Flanagan Visitor Centre.
Explore the extraordinary journey of Ballymoe native Father Edward J. Flanagan, whose belief that "there is no such thing as a bad boy" inspired a movement that changed countless lives.
Step back in time and discover the remarkable story of Father Flanagan, founder of Boys Town and one of Ireland's most inspiring humanitarians.

Join us at the Father Flanagan Visitor Centre for a guided tour of the Centre and Memorial Garden. This will be followed by an on-line interactive discussion with Tom Lynch, Historian at Boys Town USA, celebrating the life of the Ballymoe-born priest whose vision transformed the lives of thousands of children around the world.
Learn about his local roots, his journey to America, and the enduring legacy that continues today. Everyone is welcome.
For Booking​​​ 087 7665219 [email protected]
Event duration : ​​2 hours
Location: Father Flanagan Visitor Centre, Ballymoe F45 Y260.
Admission: ​​​Free
Parking:​​​ On street parking available.

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

July 13 marks the 140th birthday of Father Edward J. Flanagan, now Venerable Father Flanagan. What many people may not know is that when young Eddie Flanagan was born in Ballymoe, Ireland, his family wasn't sure he would survive the night.

Born with serious respiratory problems, his loved ones gathered around him, doing everything they could. His grandfather held him and rubbed his back through the night. His sister, Nellie, stayed awake praying. A priest was called to bless the newborn child.

The family feared the worst, but Eddie made it through the first night. Then the second. One can only imagine the relief they felt as hope began to replace fear.

It was a miracle that a fragile little boy from Ireland survived those first days of life. It was a blessing for generations to come.

The child who fought for every breath would grow up to become Venerable Father Flanagan, dedicating his life to helping children who needed hope, love and a chance to succeed.

Today, 140 years after his birth, we celebrate his life, his legacy and the mission that continues to change lives every day.

Happy Birthday, Venerable Father Flanagan. Your belief that "there is no such thing as a bad boy" continues to inspire the world and our mission each day. 💙

06/07/2026

**RTÉ Documentary**
Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story

A brand new documentary detailing the story of Father Flanagan’s life will be broadcast on RTÉ1 on Monday 6th July at 9.35pm.
Watch the trailer for the documentary here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=nUoNCVync3U&is=zt2EIkXU-SRCVV9X

📽️ Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story
📺 RTÉ1
🗓️ Monday 6th July
🕰️ 9.35pm (straight after the news)

RTÉ
Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story
Boys Town
Father Edward J. Flanagan

Narrated by: Jonathan Roumie from The ChosenFather Flanagan is a ...