Sadly we loose another great from the past with the Passing of Gene Mangan this week. He was a wonderful man who I always enjoyed meeting, a very successful cyclist in his day and a perfect gentleman.

Gene was involved in cycling for many years and there is much coverage published about his cycling career, I'll point you to this nice article in Tuesday's Meath Chronicle which goes;-

Kerry legend was youngest ever winner of Rás Tailteann 70 years ago

There is sad news in sporting circles today, in the year that Meath prepares to again host the final stage of the Rás Tailteann, of the legendary Kerry cyclist, Gene Mangan, who won the 1955 staging of the event.

Gene became a national sporting sensation in 1955 by winning the Rás Tailteann at the age of 18, and as the youngest ever winner, became one the greatest cyclists in the history of the race.

One of Mangan’s greatest performances came in the fifth Rás Tailteann, which is considered to be the greatest race to date. The memorable moment from that race came as the participants raced toward Glengariff. Mangan’s fellow Kerryman and teammate Mike Murphy crashed and damaged his bike. Without one moment’s hesitation, Mangan jumped from his own bike and handed it to his team-mate and with it he handed over whatever chance remained of winning Rás Tailteann. It was a truly magnificent gesture of sportsmanship.

From there on Mangan and Murphy rode together. The last four stages of the Rás saw the Killorglin man perform probably the greatest cycling feat Ireland has ever known. From Tralee to Dublin, it was the fabulous Gene Mangan all the way; a clear-cut winner at every one of the last four stages.

Read the full story in the Meath Chronicle here

Ras winners - Gene (centre) with Brian Connaughton (left) and Paudi Fitzgerald (right)

Some of the original Ras winners jerseys on display at the launch of the 'Ras Book' written by Tom Daly in 2003

To see the full death notice - click here