Members of Muckross Rowing Club paid tribute to late James Mangan, one of the club’s most respected rowers, by naming a new, state-of-the-art new racing boat in his memory.
The Filippi Four – named ‘The James Mangan’ – was unveiled at a special ceremony at Muckross Boathouse and it remembers the much-loved son of Dr Patricia Mangan and the late Dr Bill Mangan, Ross Road, Killarney.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
James was an integral part of Muckross Rowing Club, joining as a junior in the early 1990s. He had many honours to his name and was key to the success of the club during a golden decade on the European and world stage.
The phenomenal athlete also donned his Irish jersey while rowing for UCD.
James enjoyed great success in the Muckross colours winning the novice sculls championship in 1999 and the senior coxed fours in 2000.
He also won a Henley medal with Commercials in 2003 when competing in the men’s quadruple sculls.
Former world champion rower Paul Griffin, paid tribute to James’ incredible rowing career as well as his very colourful and entertaining life off the water.
Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, blessed the boat and Dr Patricia, along with family members, William and Catherine Mangan, were joined by relatives and rowing friends to help launch the Filippi Four
Muckross Rowing Club chairman Sean Daly, with former chairman Seán Coffey officiated on the day and crew members Ian Coffey, Darragh Hogan, Daniel Daly and Niall Coffey had the privilege of rowing ‘The James Mangan’ on the lake.
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