Hegan, Hugh Leslie

Hugh Leslie Hegan (known as Hugh)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hegan was born at Rathfriland on 19th January 1911 to William Hegan, Blacksmith and Jane Hegan nee Scott. Later on, the family moved to Belfast where he attended the Belfast Royal Academy.

Hegan joined the bank on 20th March 1933 at Head Office and then Sligo as a 'Learner' (Junior).

On 2nd November 1940 he volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force and did his initial training in Blackpool. As a Corporal Fitter, he specialised in the maintenance of Hurricane and Spitfire fighters he was posted to the Middle East, serving in Sudan, Egypt and Khartoum. 

Following the end of the war, he was discharged from the RAF on 30th December 1945 and returned to the bank in Head Office on Relief Staff. Further transfers followed to Donegall Place (Ledgers - 1960), Woodstock Road (Ledgers & Cashier - 1961), Ballynahinch (Cashier - 1967) and Stewartstown (Manager - 1969).

Hegan married Miss Geraldine Reid Osborne of Belfast.

Hegan retired from Stewartstown on 19th January 1978 and settled in Ballynahinch with his family.

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hugh Hegan at his home in The Spa, Ballynahinch died on 14th January 1986 leaving a widow, Geraldine and 2 sons, Hugh and Mark.

Some of the above information was kindly supplied by family member Mark Hegan who knew him as Leslie.