Biography

Described himself as "a drinker with a writing problem".

Was nominated for Broadway's 1961 Tony Award as author of Best Play nominee "The Hostage."

Became a member of the IRA's youth organisation Fianna Éireann at the age of fourteen. Joined the IRA proper at sixteen, subsequently imprisoned in a borstal in the U.K., as well as serving time in jail in the Republic of Ireland. He was released in 1946 under a general amnesty.

Irish playwright and poet of eccentric personality and flamboyant behaviour.

Adoptive father of Paudge Behan.

There's only one bad thing the press can print about you - an obituary notice.

Critics are like eunuchs in a harem. They're there every night, they see it done every night, they see how it should be done every night, but they can't do it themselves.

I'm a drinker with a writing problem.

If it's a thing I go for in a human being it's weakness. I'm a devil for it.

I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper, and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.