Local Hero Brian Hogan wins Inspirational Hero Award

Brian Hogan from Ballykeefe, County Limerick has won the Inspirational Hero Award

Local Hero Brian Hogan wins Inspirational Hero Award

By I Love Limerick correspondent Mary Caroline McCarthy

Brian Hogan pictured on his daily walk at his assisted living facility run by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

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Following a nationwide search to uncover Ireland’s most inspirational people, 26 county heroes are celebrating after being named an Inspirational Hero in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards. One of these heroes is our very own Brian Hogan.

Inspirational people from across Ireland were nominated for the Inspiration Awards. Each of the 26 award-winning heroes demonstrated how they have made Ireland a better place with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds during the Covid-19 crisis and how they have gone above and beyond for others in their local community.

Brian Hogan from Ballykeefe, County Limerick, suffered severe brain damage after an unprovoked attack in 2009 during a night out with his friends. This brain injury left him blind and partially paralysed. After major rehabilitation as well as stem cell infusion surgery in China, Brian has slowly regained the ability to walk.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Brian put his regained ability to walk to good use and raised money for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. Brian walked the equivalent of twenty laps of Thomond Park to raise money and awareness for brain injuries such as the one he suffered.  Brian’s selfless actions stood out to the judges and they deservedly named him an Inspirational Hero.  

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is the leading provider of community-based rehabilitation services for people living in Ireland with an acquired brain injury. They help people rebuild their lives after a brain injury, create individual rehabilitation plans, support families of people with brain injuries, provide information to those living with an acquired brain injury, and advocate great investment in brain injury support.

Although Brian won the award for Clare, he was born and bred in Limerick. This award and his hard work are a testament to the people of Limerick and the spirit of the county.

Brian’s sister Nevis Hogan, gave her brother heartfelt praises for his hard work and dedication, saying, “I am so proud of Brian Hogan, who was crowned an Inspirational Hero for Clare for his fundraising #20LapsOfThomondPark for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Clarecastle during the first lockdown. For Brian to be recognised among so many worthy recipients is amazing. He has always been our hero.”

Commenting on the quality of the entries, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail said, “This year Gala Retail teamed up with Virgin Media for the inspiration awards as we wanted to deliver a national platform to shine a light on and reward the amazing people who have become true heroes during life under lockdown and who are making a real difference to Irish society. 2020 has been hugely difficult for everyone however, it has also demonstrated the immense community spirit that exists within Irish communities. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations we received and Brian along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place for us all.”

2020 marks the second year of the Gala Retail Inspiration Awards created as a way of celebrating the selfless acts and inspirational deeds of people in Ireland who are making our country a better place.

Gala Retail has gifted €20,000 of prizes to the winners, with 26 county winners also being awarded a luxury stay in some of Ireland’s most beautiful Blue Book properties.

We at I Love Limerick congratulate Brian on his well-deserved win and wish him well in his future endeavors.

For more about Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, go HERE

For more stories about our Inspirational Hero Brian, go HERE