Paddy Flanagan

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Paddy Flanagan was born in 1941 in Kildangan, County Kildare. He was one of the top Irish cyclists of the 1960s and 1970s and achieved prominence in the Rás Tailtean. Flanagan first competed in the Rás Tailtean in 1958 where he came 11th on general classification (GC). The following year he came 2nd on GC. 1960 saw Flanagan record his first Rás win. Flanagan peaked in 1964, becoming the first cyclist to win the Rás twice.

In the years up to 1969 Flanagan maintained his position in the top echelons of Irish cycing with two stage wins and three top five finishes.

In 1969 Flanagan, along with his brother Ned joined the ICF. He competed in one Tour of Ireland where he finished in 4th place. Following a years hiatus in 1972, he rejoined the ICA and competed in the 1974 Rás. The following year 1975 Flanagan won the Rás for the third time. Flanagan’s rise to prominence in the sport coincided with that of his fellow Irishman and great friend Shay O'Hanlon, and together with O'Hanlon, Gene Mangan and others, Flanagan epotimised a breed of cyclist known as "Men of the Rás".

He Flanagan died in 2000.