Michael Hogan

Wherever Tipperary Gaels will gather at home or in exile and speak hurling, football, handball and athletics and recall great sports people of the past, the name of Michael Hogan of Grangemockler, more than any other individual generates interest and recalls the light of olden days around us.

He was a good footballer on a Tipperary county Senior panel when the county enjoyed a top rating in the big ball hame. A committed clubman he was a key figure on a great Grangemockler team that then had some of Irelands greatest footballers in their ranks. As well as being a dedicated footballer Michael Hogan was an active member of the local company of the Irish Volunteers and was looked upon as one of its most valuable members. He was chosen for a number of important missions that required a high level of intelligence, bravery and a cool nerve to successfully carry out.

Hogan always made himself available at short notice, irrespective of the risks involved. He was called on to play for Tipperary Senior footballers against Dublin on Sunday Nov. 21st, 1920 in Croke Park. Hogan was drafted into the team corner back.Tension in Dublin City was high that Sunday morning.
The Collins squad had shot dead twelve British intelligence officers as eight different locations in the city. Less than fifteen minutes of play had taken place when the Park was surrounded by British forces. Gun fire was opened by a so called security force on the 12,000 spectators and 30 players.

Michael Hogan was fatally wounded with 12 spectators. He died in his football outfit as true a Gael and as fine an Irishman as ever hailed from the Premier County.