Brian O'Nolan
(1911-1966)

Died aged c. 55

Brian O'Nolan (Irish: Brian Ó Nualláin; 5 October 1911 – 1 April 1966), better known by his pen name Flann O'Brien, was an Irish civil service official, novelist, playwright and satirist, who is now considered a major figure in twentieth century Irish literature. Born in Strabane, County Tyrone, he is regarded as a key figure in modernist and postmodern literature. His English language novels, such as At Swim-Two-Birds and The Third Policeman, were written under the O’Brien pen name. His many satirical columns in The Irish Times and an Irish language novel An Béal Bocht were written under the name Myles na gCopaleen. O'Brien's novels have attracted a wide following for their unconventional humour and modernist metafiction. As a novelist, O'Brien was influenced by James Joyce. He was nonetheless sceptical of the "cult" of Joyce, saying "I declare to God if I hear that name Joyce one more time I will surely froth at the gob."

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Commemorated on 3 plaques

Brian O'Nolan (Brian Ó Nualláin) (Flann O'Brien - Myles na gGopaleen) 1911 - 1966 Scribhneoir - an rugadh anseo Writer - born here

17 Bowling Green, Strabane, United Kingdom where they was born (1911)

Brian O'Nolan 1911 - 1966 writer. Born in Bowling Green Strabane into a Gaelic speaking family Brian graduated from University College Dublin after a brilliant career as a student, editing a magazine called 'Blather'. He rose to a senior position in the civil service but eventually resigned to become a full time writer. He made a lasting impression on the Dublin literary scene. Writing for the Irish Times as Myles Na cGopaleen, as Flann O'Brien he wrote many internationally acclaimed novels such as The Third Policeman.

Old Water Wall Memorial, Bowling Green, Strabane, United Kingdom where they was born (1911)

Myles na gCopaleen Flann O'Brien Brian O'Nuallain 1911-1966 Ní bhéid a leithéad arís ann

4 Avoca Terrace, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland where they lived