Like many young republicans, Behan would emerge from internment more deeply read and fluent in his native tongue. A Gael Linn bursary allowed Behan spend time in the Aran Islands in the early 1950s and he also visited the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht several times. Sadly, Behan took this advice too seriously which undoubtedly led to his early death. Although dying far too young, Behan left a wealth of bilingual writing to the nation. Imagine the body of work this literary prince might have produced had he not had such a “preab san ól”.

Source: The Irish Times March 20, 2026 14:21 UTC