Keane, John B(rendan) (1928–2002)

Irish writer. His most important work, The Field (1965), set in County Kerry, chronicles how one man's obsession with the land leads to tragic, deadly consequences. Staged across the world, The Field was made into a film in 1990. Although best known as a playwright, Keane has also published collections of poetry, essays, and a best-selling novel, Durango (1992).

He was born in Listowel, County Kerry, and educated at a Christian Brothers school. Before turning to writing, Keane worked as a chemist's apprentice and as a manager of a public house. His first play, Sive (1959), won the All-Ireland drama festival in Athlone.