Dan O'Donovan

Owner of Carlton Cycles 1939-1960

D.R. (Dan) O'Donovan joined Carlton as a salesman in 1937-38.At the Cycle and Motorcycle Show at Olympia he had enquired if there were any jobs available. His marketing talents soon established him with the Company. He appointed a network of dealers to sell Carlton cycles across the UK and soon the Works needed to expand as the sales increased. In 1939 he took over the Company from Fred Hanstock. In 1958 his son Gerald joined him on leaving the RAF. These pictures of Dan O'Donovan were kindly supplied by his great-grandson Simon.
Prior to his involvement with Carlton, Dan O'Donovan worked in the motorcycle industry. 1920 and Ramsey seafront in the Isle of Man, Dan is on the left in the white sweater. In the sidecar is 'Pa' Norton.
Dan O'Donovan at Brooklands with a Norton sidecar outfit. Son Gerald is in the sidecar.
The works Raleigh team with team manager Dan O'Donovan in 1927

 

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