Patrick Hogan (Cumann na nGaedheal politician)

Patrick Hogan (1885 – 1936) was an Irish Cumann na nGaedheal politician. He served as Minister for Agriculture from 1922 to 1932, a crucial period in the early years of the Irish Free State.

Born in Loughrea, County Galway, Hogan was educated at University College Dublin, where he studied law. He was called to the bar in 1914 but became involved in the Irish independence movement instead of actively pursuing a legal career. He joined the Irish Volunteers and participated in the Easter Rising in 1916, for which he was imprisoned.

Following his release, Hogan became involved in Sinn Féin and was elected as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Galway at the 1921 general election. He supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty and became a founding member of Cumann na nGaedheal.

As Minister for Agriculture, Hogan played a significant role in shaping agricultural policy in the newly formed Irish Free State. His focus was on modernizing farming practices, improving livestock breeds, and promoting agricultural exports. He oversaw the establishment of agricultural colleges and research institutions. He introduced legislation aimed at regulating the dairy industry and improving the quality of Irish agricultural products. Hogan also attempted to address issues of land ownership and distribution, although his policies were sometimes controversial. He was instrumental in establishing a system of agricultural credit.

Hogan remained Minister for Agriculture until the defeat of Cumann na nGaedheal in the 1932 general election. He continued to serve as a TD until his death in 1936. He is remembered as a key figure in the development of Irish agriculture and a significant contributor to the early years of the Irish Free State. His commitment to modernizing Irish farming left a lasting impact on the agricultural sector.