Contributed by Joanne Hogan
The Hogan family history spans rural Galway, urban
London and a return to Ireland reflecting themes of
tradition, migration and adaptation across generations.
Frank Hogan was born in 1941 in Woodford, County Galway,
the youngest of three brothers in a family with strong
musical roots. His father, Cornelius ‘Connie’ Hogan (1894–
1965), was a respected concertina player whose music was
part of the East Galway and Clare tradition. Frank’s mother,
Ann Brigid “Bridie” Hogan (1897–1973), was central to
family life in Galway, supporting her children through times
of change and transition. The family’s early years were
shaped by rural community ties, music and agricultural life.
Frank’s eldest brother, Anthony “Tony” Hogan (1939–2024),
became a teacher in Birr, County Offaly, and was very active
in local cultural circles, including the Birr Stage Guild.
The middle brother, Conor Hogan (1938–2004), remained
in Galway, where he worked in farming and forestry. He
was a popular member of the local GAA community.
In 1955, at the age of 13, Frank moved to London to
live with his maternal Aunt Tilly and her husband, Dr.
Vincent Boland, a general practitioner in Islington. This
move was part of a broader pattern of Irish migration
to the UK during the mid-20th century, as families
sought new opportunities. Frank attended secondary
school in St. Aloysius College in Highgate, London. He
benefited from the support of relatives including Vincent
O’Meara, a young dentist who lived nearby. Family
life in London included regular visitors to the home in
Thornhill Road, Islington, shared activities, playing
cards and chess, music concerts, Camden dances
and the maintenance of Irish cultural connections.
Frank excelled academically and received a scholarship
to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in
Dublin. After graduating in 1966, he worked in the NHS in
Manchester and Birmingham gaining experience in a range
of medical settings. During this period, Frank met and
married Susan, an Irish nurse. In the early 1970s, Frank
and Susan decided to return to Ireland where they settled
and raised four children in Co. Wexford. Frank’s medical
career continued in Ireland, where he worked as a general
practitioner, anaesthetist, and medical officer for the RNLI.
In 2022, Frank received a civic award in recognition of more
than 50 years of service as a physician. He was described
as “far more than a doctor” to his patients and is missed by
colleagues and the community following his retirement.
The Hogan family history is marked by adaptability,
a strong sense of identity and a commitment to
education, music and service. Their journey from rural
Galway to London and back to Ireland highlights the
broader patterns of Irish migration and the ways in
which families maintain continuity whilst embracing
change. The Hogan family’s experiences reflect the
resilience and resourcefulness found in many Irish
families of their generation, and their story continues
through the lives of their children and grandchildren.
