The Hogans of Glenart

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Group Photograph taken by Eugene Hogan at The Hogan Family Picnic, at Marley Park, Rathfarham on the 1st September 1984.

One of my first memories of a Hogan event - I have very vague memories of a trip to Glenart but they are not strong - was a family picnic in Glendalough. I'm not sure exactly when it took place but as my Dad was there, it was pre-1968 so I was 6 at most. My memories suggest that everyone who was anyone was there. I'm pretty sure there were McKennas and Browners, as well as a coterie of Hogans, O'Hogans, Coyles, O'Briens and O'Kennedys. But the event itself was a precursor to what has become a an important ritual in Hogan family bonding - The Picnic.

Glendalough was instructive for me in understanding that there was a wider family than the Herberton Hogs. I seem to remember Dierdre, Paul and Conor playing with us - Shane and I - under Bairbre's watchful eye. I guess someone had given her the thankless task but I think she was enjoying herself. There were other kids as well, McKenna's maybe and we had a great kids day out. There was a grand trek around the lakeside (were we off to the second lake?) and a climb up to St. Kevins bed.

But the key point with the whole day was that I don't remember interacting with my immediate family at all. The whole day was spent with cousins, aunts and uncles. Someone fed me wonderful tomato sandwiches (fresh white bread, butter, loads of salt, tomatoes with taste). I think it was Uncle Brendan who lifted me over some rocks to reach the second lake.

It wasn't a big day, an occasion, nor did it warrant a group photo. I don't know if Eugene was even there! But it was a key point in my learning journey. Being a Hogan was about more than just Herberton Drive.

Marley Park

On the 1st September 1984, the Hogan clan gathered in Marley Park, Rathfarham for the first official Hogan Family Picnic . Urban folklore suggests that it was organised by Denis and Dara but I'm sure many more had input. The elder lemons of the Hogan cousins had been meeting regularly at funerals in the preceding years and the feeling was that it would be much better to meet in celebratory mood. The picnic was the result.

What a day. Hogans and O'Hogans threw frisbees to O'Briens and O'Kennedys, while Coyles popped up and caught them. Sheila and Eileen came over from England whilst McKennas, Kearns and Browners masqueraded as long-lost relatives (They're not really related to us, are they?). Auntie Noreen was still on remand at the time and wasn't allowed out for the occasion. If I remember correctly, the school room in Firhouse was on standby in case of inclement weather. But Carmelite prayers are very powerful and the fine weather held up.

When I look at the photo above what strikes me most is the seemless transition between Dara/Enda and Elaine Hogan/Sarah Lynott. My generation looks distinctly different from the one above us. It is easy to differentiate between Maeve/Dara/Denis and Lorcan/Del. But with the next generation its not obvious.

That day is my Glenart memory because, for me, the picnics became my "Glenart".

2002

Group Photograph taken by Eugene Hogan at The 2nd Hogan Family Picnic, at Marley Park, Rathfarham in 2002.