He and his family experienced some of the ravages of the Great Irish Famine (1845–1848), about which he wrote later in life.
In his early years Hogan worked at Russell's Mill, Lock Quay and later in life with Limerick Corporation.
[2] Hogan's first published works appeared in the Anglo-Celt, then in the Irishman, the Nation, the Munster News, and the Limerick Leader.
He then embarked on issuing a series of satirical publications which lampooned prominent figures in the city.
[3] A life-size statue of Hogan was erected to his memory at King Johns Castle Plaza in Limerick city in 2005.