Mourners queuing for three-and-a-half hours in Limerick is a testament to 'absolute gentleman'

MOURNERS queuing for three-and-a-half hours to pay their respects is a testament to the late Mick Hogan who had “a wonderful gift with people”, said Canon Noel Kirwan.

Mr Hogan - an uncle of The Cranberries’ Noel and Mike Hogan - suffered an accident at home. Mr Hogan, aged 82, of O’Dwyer Villas, Thomondgate, Limerick city tragically passed away, surrounded by his loving family, in UHL four days later.

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The shock and sadness at the passing of the beloved husband, father and grandfather was reflected by mourners queuing for three-and-a-half hours outside his reposal at Cross’s Funeral Home. 

“That was a testament to Mick. It was incredible - the numbers were remarkable,” said Canon Kirwan.

The former Howmedica employee, formerly of Mary Street, was deeply involved with St Mary’s RFC, Star Rovers FC and St Munchin's Community Siamsa throughout his life.

“He had a very wide range between soccer and rugby. He was one of the founder members of Siamsa in St Munchin's. He discovered a gift for acting. 

“He was a fine singer, loved his music, rugby and soccer. He was one of the guys who was outstanding in anything he did,” said Canon Kirwan.

However, the canon said Mr Hogan’s secret was his great gift with people.

“Work colleagues in Howmedica said how good he was to people starting out. He’d be watching over them and making sure they were settling in. He was just a nice guy,” said Canon Kirwan, who celebrated  the funeral Mass of Mr Hogan in St Mary’s Church last week.

Canon Kirwan extended his sympathies to Mr Hogan’s loving wife Kathleen, children Dee, Shirley, Michael and Hilary and extended family.

Deputy Willie O’Dea said he knew Mr Hogan (pictured below), described him as “an extremely popular man”.

“They are a highly-respected family. He was very involved with St Mary’s RFC and will be missed by many people,” said Mr O’Dea.

Cllr Frankie Daly said the Hogan family is steeped in sport, music and culture in the city and county. He said he was shocked when he heard the sad  news.

“I lived beside him when I was a youngster in Thomondgate. I used to meet him frequently in Pa Roche’s shop and I could be talking to him for up to an hour about sport. He was a great man to ask how you're doing, give positive advice and encourage you to go for your dreams. 

“He was so unassuming and so kind. He wouldn't say a bad word about anybody. He was just an absolute gentleman - a really, really good honourable guy,” said Cllr Daly. A request for donations in lieu of flowers to St Mary’s RFC underage summed him  up.

“He loved St Mary’s. He won a Munster Junior Cup with them in 1968. He was a fantastic rugby player, a trailblazer on the rugby field,” said Cllr Daly.

St Mary’s RFC - in a post on social media - said the club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of their former player.

“A proud member of our famous Junior Cup-winning team, Michael also served as a valued member of the house committee. A familiar and cherished presence at the club on match days, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"Rest in peace, Michael — from everyone at St Mary’s RFC,” read the post.

Eliz, Eamonn, Philomena, Eddie, Evelyn and all Mick’s friends in Kinsella’s Bar also took to social media to pay tribute.

“A fantastic neighbour and friend. An absolute gentleman of the highest order!!

“Mick, as everyone knows, was a staunch rugby man. He loved watching Munster rugby games and even though he is pictured below (reluctantly!) with a Thomond trophy last season, Mick was a very proud Saint Mary’s man!”

The post continued: “Mick loved his family, but especially loved spending time and enjoying a drink with his adored grandchildren. it was no secret that his grandchildren were his world. He was very proud of them all.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathleen, Michael, Deirdre, Shirley, Hilary, Mick’s grandchildren and extended family and friends. Thinking of all his friends in St Mary's RFC also. We will raise a Jameson for you. RIP Mick.”

May he rest in peace.