Brendan Behan (1923-1964) was an Irish writer, one of the most popular Irish literary figures in his time. A former political militant, he spent much of his youth in prison. After his release, he established himself as a playwright, writing in both English and Irish. He had a lifelong struggle with alcoholism, leading to his death at the age of forty-one. His memoir Borstal Boy and play The Quare Fellow have been adapted into films.