Memorable day for Mangan family 

Saturday 31 January 2026 is a date that will be remembered in the Mangan household for many years to come after a winning day of sporting action for the trio of brothers.

Diarmuid is firmly down the road of establishing himself within the Leinster rugby set up but he had to contend with a new position as he lined out at number 8 during the United Rugby Championship match against Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium.

He was joined on the pitch by younger brother Ciaran, who enjoyed a very solid first senior start in Leinster colours in the centre position. The former Ireland U20 international appears to have an exciting future ahead of him and played his part as Leinster won 28-20.

Around the time that game was hitting the closing stages, back in Newbridge Daragh Mangan was summonsed from the bench by Kildare manager Brian Flanagan. He had been an inspirational captain for his club Sallins during the 2025 season and that earned him a call up to the Kildare squad. After sitting on the bench for the duration of the opening round draw against Tyrone, the Sallins man made his Kildare debut in the final 12 minutes of the impressive win over Offaly after he replaced Brendan Gibbons in midfield.

Once he had made his way through the well-wishers after the game he was seen checking the result of the Leinster game and remarked that it was a pity the two games clashed as he would have liked to have been in the Aviva Stadium to see his brothers in action.

Unfortunate clashes like that may come more common in the future as this trio of talented brothers make their way in their respective sports but that is a good problem for them and their proud family to have.