Prepare oats according to package directions (microwave instructions). Measure out 3/4 cup and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, add the water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
Whisk in the egg, melted butter, milk, cooked Irish oatmeal, brown sugar, salt and flax meal. Add half the bread flour and mix well with a spatula. Add the other half of flour and mix.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand, sprinkling with flour as you go until dough is nice and soft, about 5 minutes.
Form dough into a ball and place in a clean bowl sprayed with cooking spray. Turn dough to coat.
Cover dough bowl loosely with a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until dough has doubled in size.
Spray a 9x5 bread pan with cooking spray. Punch down dough and place into loaf pan. Allow to rise in loaf pan about 45 minutes more, until a little less than doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake loaf on center rack for 35 - 40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding.
Remove bread from loaf pan and place on a cooling rack. Spread top with a little more butter and sprinkle with some uncooked Irish oats. Cool and slice.