Maureen Flavin's pivotal role in the success of the D-Day invasion remained largely unknown for over a decade after World War II[2][3][4][5]. It wasn't until secret files were made public in 1956 that her contribution came to light[2].

In the years following the war, Flavin continued to run the remote post office in Blacksod, County Mayo, where she had worked as a young woman[3][4]. It wasn't until 1956, when secret files were declassified, that she learned of the significance of her weather reports in delaying the D-Day invasion from June 5 to June 6, 1944[2][3].

Flavin's accurate prediction of a storm brewing in the Atlantic on June 3, 1944 had prompted Allied commanders to postpone the invasion by 24 hours[3][4][5]. This decision proved pivotal, as the weather on June 6 was more favorable for the successful Allied landings in Normandy[3][4].

It wasn't until decades later, in 2021, that Flavin's role was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress[4][5]. A joint resolution honored her "skill and professionalism" in ensuring Allied victory, stating that her "legacy will live on for generations to come."[5]

Flavin's story gained wider attention in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024[1][4]. Obituaries and news articles highlighted her crucial weather report, which had altered the course of World War II[4][5]. Her life and actions were celebrated as an example of how even small contributions can have a profound impact on history[2].

Sources [1] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13497447/How-D-Day-unfolded-hour-hour-80th-anniversary-Operation-Overlord-MailOnlines-scintillating-visualisations-recount-daring-mission-liberate-Nazi-occupied-Europe-forensic-detail.html [2] Maureen Flavin - The Woman Who Saved D-Day By Alec Hill - CLA https://christianleadershipalliance.org/blog/2024/03/25/maureen-flavin-the-woman-who-saved-d-day-by-alec-hill/ [3] Maureen Flavin, the Mayo weather woman who made D-Day work https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/maureen-flavin-the-mayo-weather-woman-who-made-d-day-work-1.3917362 [4] How Maureen Saved D-Day - Irish Echo https://www.irishecho.com/2024/6/how-maureen-saved-d-day [5] D-Day 'hero' Maureen Sweeney, 100, of Ireland dies ... - Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/d-day-hero-maureen-sweeney-100-ireland-dies-known-storm-prediction-saved-allies-disaster