Behan, Brendan, BEE uhn, BREHN duhn (1923-1964), was a flamboyant Irish author. By the 1950's, he had established himself both as an author and as a well-known Dublin character. His colorful personality as well as his deep commitment to the ideals of a free Ireland helped make him one of the best-known Irish writers to emerge after the end of World War II in 1945.