I'd never heard of this man, but saw a quote and looked him up....as usual.

Some of you may have read his works. Interesting man, with a tragic affliction. Alcoholism. He was a member of the IRA.

A few of his quotes:

"I was court-martial in my absence, and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence"

"I am a drinker with a writing problem."

"I only drink on two occasions. When I'm thirsty and when I'm not."

"If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke."

That last one pretty much sums up how he lived his live. Fast, hard and at full-tilt.

If you want to read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Behan