Gene Mangan

Eugene Mangan was an Irish cyclist who won the Rás Tailteann in 1955.

Early life

Mangan was born on 16 August 1936. A native of County Kerry, he was a distant cousin of John Mangan, who also won the Rás.

Mangan joined Killorglin Cycling Club in 1952. In that year, and in 1953, he won the County Kerry Road Championship.
Mangan won the 1955 Rás Tailteann aged 18; as of 2015 he is still the youngest-ever winner.
In 1958, Rás won the last four stages, setting a record that still stands. Mangan also won several races at the Irish National Cycling Championships.

Mangan married Maeve of Glenbeigh, County Kerry. He was honoured at an event at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2000.
Mangan died at Orwell Nursing Home, Rathgar, on 25 March 2025, at the age of 88. He was survived by his wife.