Myles na gCopaleen
Myles na gCopaleen, the pen name of Irish writer Brian O'Nolan, was a prominent satirist known for his sharp wit and humorous commentary on Irish society and language. His work often included playful critiques of the Irish language and its complexities, famously expressing his frustration with Dinneen's Dictionary for its alleged obfuscation of meaning. Through his columns, particularly in 'Cruiskeen Lawn,' he employed a unique blend of English and Irish to explore the nuances of language and identity, making him a key figure in Irish literary culture.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Myles na gCopaleen was also considered for inspiration in compiling a history of Ireland in descriptions of rain.
Ernie O’Malley’s century-old memoirs now read like a nature writer at war – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-02-26
Myles na gCopaleen is recognized for his book 'The Poor Mouth'.
A history of Ireland, as told through the medium of rain – part 2 – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-23
Myles na gCopaleen was a comic genius who had a dispute with the taxman.
Frank McNally on what links Thomas Kinsella, TK Whitaker and Myles na gCopaleen – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-06
Myles na gCopaleen is an authentic mid-century modernist who criticized Busáras as merely a 'bust station'.
egg-throwing bane of AIB bankers dies – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-30
Myles na gCopaleen wrote a column about curing himself of national feeling.
Daily Telegraph’s agony aunt faces a conundrum – a mother worried that her son is turning ‘Irish’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-06
Myles na gCopaleen was a notable Irish writer known for his wit and commentary on society.
Dublin pubs: The Royal Oak, The Yacht, Barney Kiernan’sIreland· 2025-10-19
Myles na gCopaleen simplified his name in 1952 for a wider readership.
Frank McNally on the mysteries of the Hiberno-English ‘gimp’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-08
Myles na gCopaleen, also known as Flann O'Brien, lampooned Patrick Dinneen for many years.
Dictionary on the Double – Frank McNally on the enduring literary life of Patrick Dinneen – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-28
Myles na gCopaleen criticized Dinneen’s Dictionary for its lack of clarity in the Irish language.
Lexicographer at Large – Frank McNally on Dinneen’s Dictionary and the Dáil row about unparliamentary Irish – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-19
