Nan Hogan was a leading member of Cumann na mBan, the paramilitary organisation for women which played a decisive role in the Irish war of Independence. Nan was a crucial player behind the scenes in one of the war’s most violent districts. She was later jailed during the Civil War and served several months in Kilmainham. Famed as the prison and execution place of generations of nationalist men, at this point the gaol was
strictly for women. Thus Nan became friendly with some of the most radical and influential women of the era. She shared a cell with Grace Gifford Plunkett whose tragic marriage has since become immortalised in a popular song. This book tells her story and is richly illustrated with 275 photos.
Efforts to revive Nan’s memory have begun in earnest and acclaimed author, Colm Liddy's lavishly-illustrated biography tells her story and honours her revolutionary achievements.
“Like most women of the revolutionary era, Nan was forgotten for a long time,” “She didn’t even have a gravestone until the last
decade.”
Colm set about documenting Nan’s story and quickly realised he was dealing with an extraordinary woman, whose contribution was only just beginning to be recognised.
The Newmarket man is among those working to raise Nan’s profile and his book describes her life and especially her activities during the War of Independence. Vehemently opposed to the Treaty, Nan was imprisoned for her role in the Civil War. In Kilmainham Gaol, her cellmate was Grace Gifford Plunkett. Much of the book describes Nan’s time with Grace and many other famous revolutionary women, including Maud Gonne.