Brian O'Nolan (; 5 October 1911 1 April 1966) was an Irish novelist, playwright and satirist, considered a major figure in twentieth century Irish literature. Born in Strabane, County Tyrone, he is regarded as a key figure in postmodern literature. His English language novels, such as "At Swim-Two-Birds", and "The Third Policeman", were written under the "pen name" Flann O'Brien. His many satirical columns in "The Irish Times" and an Irish language novel "An Beal Bocht" were written under the name Myles na gCopaleen.

O'Nolan's novels have attracted a wide following for their bizarre humour and modernist metafiction. As a novelist, O'Nolan was influenced by James Joyce. He was nonetheless sceptical of the cult of Joyce which overshadows much of Irish writing, saying "I declare to God if I hear that name Joyce one more time I will surely froth at the gob."

O'Nolan attended Blackrock College where he was taught English by President of the College, and future Cardinal, John Charles McQuaid.

According to Farragher and Wyer:

Dr McQuaid himself was recognised as an outstanding English teacher, and when one of his students, Brian O'Nolan, alias Myles na gCopaleen, boasted in his absence to the rest of the class that there were only two people in the College who could write English properly namely, Dr McQuaid and himself, they had no hesitation in agreeing. And Dr McQuaid did Myles the honour of publishing a little verse by him in the first issue of the revived College Annual (1930) this being Myles' first published item.

1. does ONolan have a lot of followers?
2. why?
3. where did ONolan go to college?
4. who taught him english?
5. what did McQuaid go on to become?
6. is O'Nolan still alive?
7. how old was he when he died?
8. who was his influence?
9. what was his pen name?
10. what did he write under that name?
11. what did O'Nolan say proudly in class one day?
12. did everyone agree?
13. what was his other pen name?
14. what did he write under that name?
15. what are some of O'Nolans titles?
16. what did McQuaid do for Myles?
17. in what?

Numbered answers:
1. yes
2. their bizarre humour and modernist metafiction
3. Blackrock College
4. John Charles McQuaid
5. Cardinal
6. no
7. 55
8. James Joyce
9. Flann O'Brien
10. His English language novels
11. there were only two people in the College who could write English properlly
12. yes
13. Myles na gCopaleen
14. satirical columns
15. "At Swim-Two-Birds", and "The Third Policeman"
16. published a verse by him
17. the College Annual