Tag Archives: Brian Hogan

TWO Clare people have been elected to key roles in an organisation that conducts research with the support and input of people with intellectual disabilities. Brian Hogan from Tulla and Pauline Skehan from Kilrush have just been chosen as members of the Inclusive Research Network of Ireland (IRNI), which to-date has conducted important research in the areas including housing, relationships and social supports.  Both Brian and Pauline are members of the Clare Inclusive Research Group. Brian is now the national network’s new chairperson. He was formerly Chair of the Clare Leader Forum and the Brothers of Charity Clare Advocacy Platform. Pauline, an award-winning presenter with West Clare’s Raidió Corca Baiscínn (RCB), has been appointed to the role of spokesperson.  “I really enjoy research work, advocating for those without a voice, helping them tell us about their lives, encourage people to make their own decisions and choices,” said Pauline, “We recently had our ideas published in two academic journals and now …

CLARECASTLE’S Brian Hogan is celebrating after being named an Inspirational Hero following a nationwide search to uncover Ireland’s most inspirational people. Nominated by family and friends for the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards, Brian stood out for this determination and positive attitude. In 2009 Brian suffered severe brain damage after an unprovoked attack left him blind and partially paralysed. However, he hasn’t let that stop him. Originally from Ballykeeffe in County Limerick Brian who lives in Acquired Brain Injury’s (ABI) residential service in Clarecastle went from needing to use a wheelchair to taking on a mammoth walkathon challenge. Unable to see his family Brian set himself a goal of walking the equivalent of 20 laps of Thomond Park before the end of May and raise funds for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Clarecastle. Brian surpassed his fundraising target, raising over €10,000 for the Clarecastle services. Speaking to us about the fundraiser earlier this year, he said, “Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are …

IN 2009 Brian Hogan suffered severe brain damage after an unprovoked attack left him blind and partially paralysed. However, he hasn’t let that stop him. Brian who lives in Acquired Brain Injury’s (ABI) residential service in Clarecastle has gone from needing to use a wheelchair to taking on a mammoth walkathon challenge. Brian has vowed to walk the equivalent of 20 laps of Thomond Park, and just last weekend he surpassed his fundraising target of €10,000 for ABI, with donations still coming in. He will be taking on his final lap in style early next month, walking around the famous Thomond Park rugby pitch. Speaking about the fundraiser, Brian explains, “My fitness levels prior to my assault in 2009 were excellent as I attended the gym four times a week. I swam, ran and cycled. I was a non-smoker and in excellent health. As a result of my Acquired Brain Injury I suffered a right-side hematoma causing left sided weakness. …

THE very first Fleadh Nua in Ennis was held in 1974 and, as the festival prepares to celebrate its 40th milestone, one family recalls those first days, having uncovered a set of photographs documenting its rich heritage. In 1961, the prominent public house on O’Connell Street, now known as Brogan’s, was owned by the Hogan family. Brian Hogan and his wife, Joan, ran the business there up until November 1976. It was then, as it is now, renowned for its traditional music and entertainment and, when the Fleadh Nua began in the town, it was one of the moments they recall with great fondness. The Hogans’ son, Senan, who lives in Kildysart, was given a stack of old photographs by his aunt, Kitty Heffernan from County Waterford, who used to travel to Ennis to help out the Hogan family during this busy festival period. It is believed that these photographs date to between the first Fleadh Nua or, at the …