The Irishman who Ran for England is the story of Ireland's most colourful and least known successful athlete. Operating outside the boundaries of officialdom he cruised to victory in the 1966 marathon at the Budapest European Championships wearing an English vest. This was the summit of his career. Why the best long-distance runner of his generation was obliged to declare for England is an extraordinary story.

Born as Jim Cregan into a poor farming background in Co. Limerick he kept his running talents a secret for many years. People would think you were mad. You had to steal out. At a time of great poverty in Ireland a hobby like running was seen as an indulgence when there was always work to be done to keep food on the table. He eventually went to England to get work. In order to compete in Britain he changed his name to Jim Hogan by deed poll. At that point Jim Cregan's career ended and Jim Hogan's began. Many things made it easy for him to leave Ireland. Jim is critical of the class distinctions which riddled Irish society and was fed up with the lack of opportunity.

The young farmer from Limerick was determined to realise his potential. In 1963 he quit his insurance job after his boss wouldn't allow him leave to train for the British AAA 6-mile championship where he eventually came second. That year he got a job as a groundsman with the London parks council which ensured great opportunities to train throughout his working day!

In 1964 he was delighted to be selected for the Irish team for the Tokyo olympics. After a disappointing performance in the 10,000 metre for which he had been preparing he decided to try and redeem himself by entering the marathon. Jim Hogan ran the race of his life up to 23 kilometres shadowing the redoubtable Ethiopian, Abebe Bikila. However, forced to drop out at the last hurdle, he wound up exhausted in hospital and is critical of the lack of support offered to him. If the Irish doctor had paid more attention to me between the 10,000 metre and the the marathon I believe I'd have finished second. I knew nothing about the importance of taking a drink before the race or the importance of hydration. When the European Championships came around in 1966 he had enough of the meanness of the Irish officials and it was while running for Britain that he finally fulfilled his potential.

Jim is famed for running barefoot, believing that running shoes only slowed him down. He is remembered as a rebel and gained a reputation for unreliability. However, it is impossible not to admire his steely determination and self belief. He never had a coach and steadfastly followed his own path to success with just the support of his devoted wife Mary, now deceased.

Hogan concludes with his personal philosophy for success: there is no short cut to the top...take the rough with the smooth, work hard and have faith in yourself at all times. The Irishman who Ran for England covers the whole spectrum of athletics, the highs and lows, the elation and the heartbreak. It is an inspiration, not only to athletes, but to anyone who is trying to realise their potential.

Note: Jim Hogan is available for interview. Contact: Teresa Daly, Tel. 353 (0)1 294 2556 ext. 222, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it