Ann Murray was born and raised on North Street in Stamford, Connecticut, in a close-knit Irish family. She is one of nine children born to Philip and Eileen Hogan. Her father’s family is from County Tipperary, and her mother’s family from County Clare. Both sides of the family are large and remain connected through generations of aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives in both Ireland and the United States.
Ann attended St. John’s Parochial School and Stamford Catholic High School before graduating from The New York Foundling. Ann’s career began at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she worked in the nursery caring for newborns.
In 1964, Ann married fellow Stamford native Mike Murray, whose parents hailed from County Mayo. Together they raised their three sons in Stamford’s Glenbrook neighborhood. Ann and Mike shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before Mike’s passing in 2019.
In 1975, Ann and Mike opened The Fifth Province, a small Irish boutique that became a beloved fixture in Stamford’s Irish community. Originally located in The Passage Shops at 1 Landmark Square, the business grew steadily over its 30-year history, relocating several times before settling in its final location on lower Summer Street. The shop offered traditional Irish jewelry, crystal, sweaters, caps, music, candy, and many other treasures from Ireland. Ann remains deeply grateful for the family and friends who helped operate the store and for the loyal customers who supported the business throughout the years.
The Fifth Province was a place that solidified Ann & Mike’s presence in Stamford’s vibrant Irish Community. Through the shop, they met countless customers who became lifelong friends and an extension of the Murray family. They also became a valuable resource for many young Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the 1990s. Ann continues to cherish those relationships and remains proud to be part of Stamford’s strong and welcoming Irish community.
For more than five decades, Ann has been an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. She especially enjoys attending meetings and events alongside her nieces and grandnieces. Ann was also a member of the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield. In recognition of her dedication to the Irish community, she was honored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians at its annual Flag Raising Ceremony in 2001.
Today, Ann takes great pride in keeping up with her nine grandchildren. She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Maurice Church for more than 50 years and now attends Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.