Padraic O’Farrell

Padraic O'Farrell (26 March 1932 – 6 November 2003) was an Irish book author, arts critic, playwright, historian, newspaper columnist, essayist, songwriter, theatrical director and theatrical producer. He had at least 33 books (40 according to his obituary) to his credit at the time of his death, with several more slated for release.

Biography Padraic O'Farrell was born in Staplestown, Donadea, County Kildare.

O'Farrell was heavily engaged with the theatre. He contributed news and reviews of theatrical productions and the arts to numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Irish Times and the Irish Examiner. He wrote scripts for leading Irish actresses Maureen Potter, Maureen Toal, Eileen Colgan and Anna Manahan, and, together with his wife, wrote, directed and produced dozens of plays and revues in County Westmeath. His touring theater company, Lyncairn Theatre, staged popular drama across Ireland. His play Kitty was about the women in the lives of Michael Collins and Sean Mac Eoin, and his play Matchmaking, based on the work of John B. Keane, dramatised the 1798 Rebellion. O'Farrell's book Green and Chaste and Foolish: Irish Literary and Theatrical Anecdotes (1994) is about prominent figures in Irish theatrical and literary milieux.