Brendan Behan (1923-1964) was born in Holles Street Hospital, Dublin. Active in the Republican movement from a young age, at 16 years old he was arrested in Liverpool and sentenced for possession of explosive devices. His autobiographical novel Borstal Boy is based on his detention in an prison for young offenders, and is notable for its exploration of both colonial institutions and nationalism. The book was banned in Ireland for over ten years.
Behan’s dramas (notably The Hostage and The Quare Fellow) played to packed houses in London, Paris and New York. His success and notoriety were stellar – not least for his rowdy personality and quick wit, as well as his fondness for drinking, which led his health to rapidly deteriorate. Beloved of his fellow Dubliners, he died in the city and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
