By Michelle Crean 

Members of Muckross Rowing Club paid tribute to the late James Mangan, one of the club’s most respected rowers, naming their latest state-of-the-art new ‘Filippi Four’ racing boat in his memory on Sunday.

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Crew members Ian Coffey Darragh Hogan Daniel Daly and Niall Coffey had the privilege of rowing the James Mangan on the lake. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Kate and Anna Griffin at Muckross Rowing Club at a special naming ceremony to name the latest state-of-the-art new ‘Filippi Four’ racing boat - the ‘James Mangan’ in his memory. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Fr Kieran O’Brien pictured blessing the boat. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Former World Champion rower Paul Griffin paid tribute to the late James Mangan at a special naming ceremony on Sunday at Muckross Boat House. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Members of Muckross Rowing Club paid tribute to the late James Mangan one of the club’s most respected rowers naming their new ‘Filippi Four’ racing boat - the ‘James Mangan’ in his memory. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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Crew members Ian Coffey Darragh Hogan Daniel Daly and Niall Coffey had the privilege of rowing the James Mangan on the lake. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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Crew members Ian Coffey Darragh Hogan Daniel Daly and Niall Coffey had the privilege of rowing the James Mangan on the lake. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

Dr Patricia Mangan paid tribute to her late son James Mangan a member of Muckross Rowing Club. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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The late James Mangan rowing for Muckross in the Men’s Senior 'Sixes' at Killarney Regatta O'Mahoney's Point Lough Leane. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The special ceremony and blessing took place at Muckross Boat House.

James was the son of Dr Patricia Mangan and the late Dr Bill Mangan, Ross Road, Killarney.

He 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 Muckross Rowing Club during a golden decade on the European and world stage.

The phenomenal athlete also donned his Irish jersey while rowing for UCD. He enjoyed great success in the Muckross colours winning the Novice Sculls Championship in 1999 and the Senior Coxed Four in 2000.

He also won a Henley medal with Commercial in 2003 competing in the 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.

Fr Kieran O’Brien, blessed the boat, Dr Patricia, along with family members, William and Catherine Mangan, were joined with relatives and rowing friends to help launch the boat in the water. Muckross Rowing Club Chairman Sean Daly, with Sean Coffey, former Chairman and driving force in the club, were on hand on the day.

Crew members Ian Coffey, Darragh Hogan, Daniel Daly and Niall Coffey had the privilege of rowing the James Mangan on the lake.