John B. Keane

John Brendan Keane (July 21, 1928 – May 30, 2002) was an Irish playwright, novelist and essayist from Listowel, County Kerry. A son of William B. Keane and Hannah Purtill, he was educated at Listowel National School and then at St. Michael's College, Listowel. He worked as a chemist's assistant for A.H Jones - a chemist who dabbled in buying antiques. Keane had various jobs in the UK between 1951 and 1955, and was a pub owner in Listowel from 195... more

John Brendan Keane (July 21, 1928 – May 30, 2002) was an Irish playwright, novelist and essayist from Listowel, County Kerry. A son of William B. Keane and Hannah Purtill, he was educated at Listowel National School and then at St. Michael's College, Listowel. He worked as a chemist's assistant for A.H Jones - a chemist who dabbled in buying antiques. Keane had various jobs in the UK between 1951 and 1955, and was a pub owner in Listowel from 1955. He married Mary O'Connor and had four children. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Royal Dublin Society from 1991, served as president of Irish PEN and was a founder member of the Society of Irish Playwrights and a member of Aosdána. He remained a prominent member of the Fine Gael party throughout his life, never being shy of political debate. In his life John B. Keane published 46 works. He died at his home in Listowel - a popular public house - aged 73 from prostate cancer. In 2007 a lifesize bronze statue by Clare sculptor Seamus... less