Sir Patrick Hannon (1870-1963) had a varied career in industry, agriculture and politics. He was educated at the Royal College of Science and the Royal University of Ireland. He began his working life on the railways and, as he graduated through the railway ranks, he became interested in agricultural affairs and began actively to promote agricultural co-operation among Irish farmers. He emigrated to South Africa, serving as Director of Agricultural Organisation to the Government of Cape Colony, 1905-1909 and Justice of the Peace for all the districts of Cape Colony, 1907-1909. He was elected to Parliament unopposed in Moseley, Birmingham, at a by-election in March 1921 and retained the seat until 1950. As a busy and prominent backbench MP, Patrick Hannon served on a number of committees including the Estimates Committee, 1921-1938, and was the honorary secretary of the Industrial Group of MPs, 1921-1929. In addition, he was Chairman of the Carlton Club Political Committee from 1952 and Chairman of the Constitutional Club Political Committee, 1927-36, Chairman of the Constitutional Club until 1955 when he became a Vice-President. He became director of a number of Birmingham and Midland companies and was knighted in 1936. Sir Patrick held a wide range of positions in several spheres: Deputy Chairman, Birmingham Small Arms Group of Companies and Daimler Company; Director, James Booth & Co. Ltd; member of the Dollar Exports Council; President, Aston Villa Football Club; President, Midland Association of Building Societies, Ideal Benefit Society, Birmingham Boys' and Girls' Union, Society of Commercial Accountants; member, Court of Governors, Birmingham University; Governor, John Fisher School; Vice-President and member, Council of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce; member, Post Office Advisory Council; Vice-President, Royal Eye Hospital, SE1; Honorary Treasurer, Apostleship of the Sea; member, Public Morality Council and President, Midland Conservative Club.
