The Irishman Who Ran for England

Self-trained for many years, Hogan reached the peak of his athletic career after moving to England in 1960. Under the most bizarre of circumstances, Hogan won a gold medal in the marathon of the 1966 European Championships running in an English vest. Why the best Irish long-distance runner of his generation was obliged to declare for England is an extraordinary story. That he was successful under these circumstances only adds to the legend of the Mad Irishman . The enigmatic Hogan, who has also had a lifelong passion for horses, might have chosen a career as a jump jockey but recognised that his sporting potential lay with athletics. Combative, outspoken, colourful and driven to succeed, he battled a cruel bureaucracy in Irish athletics. This is one man’s inspiring story of overcoming the odds and realising his dream.