Civic reception for legendary Tuam sportsman

By JIM CARNEY TUAM Town Council will host a civic reception on Saturday week, August 4 to mark the official opening of the Jack Mangan Roundabout on Purcell-Stockwell Road, linking Vicar Street with Dublin Road.[private] Jack, a legendary figure in the history of Tuam Stars and Galway football, will travel from his home in Wolverhampton, England for the occasion and will be accompanied by members of his family â€â€ from England, Tuam and Oranmore â€â€ for a civic reception at the Town Hall and a ceremony at the new roundabout, followed by a social evening at the Tuam Stars Centre, Dublin Road. The Council gave their full backing to the proposal to honour the great goalkeeper who captained Galway to victory over Cork in the 1956 All-Ireland S.F.C. final, an epic encounter that earned a special place in GAA lore. The programme for the day has been organised by Cllr Tom Reilly, and the civic reception will be hosted by new Town Mayor Cllr Eamonn Kitt and his colleagues. It promises to be a very special occasion and all involved are thrilled to have the opportunity to publicly honour such a great sportsman who, in a distinguished playing career, brought fame and glory to his club, county and province. The location of the new roundabout is appropriate: Jack and his clubmates Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell were heroic figures in their county's 1956 All-Ireland Championship triumph at Croke Park but they also shared many glory days at Tuam Stadium â€â€ a kick of a ball away from Purcell-Stockwell Road and the Jack Mangan Roundabout.[/private]