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Michael Patrick , an Irish actor known for his work in Game of Thrones and on the stage, has died following a battle with Motor Neuron Disease. He was 35. It’s an incurable disease. A life was lost too soon, in its prime. In a post-COVID world, we have all lost loved ones. Too soon. We may have recovered. But death is a finality that leaves deep scars, scars that don’t really leave us. Which brings us to Naomi Sheenan , Patrick’s wife, and her heartfelt tribute. There are lessons to be learnt here. Not just from the way Naomi celebrated her husband’s life, but from Irish poet Brendan Behan, whom she quoted to elucidate why we should all celebrate every day for the life that is given to us.



On April 8th, Sheehan wrote on social media, sharing the tragic news: Michael "passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends" after 10 days in the hospital. Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are.” She also said in her tribute to her husband. “… Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life. He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man.”

And she finished the tribute by quoting Michael Patrick’s favourite Irish poet and short story writer, the late Brendan Behan. “‘The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you,’” she said. “So, don’t overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love.”



At a time when we are surrounded by chaos, outside in the world, and within, with non-stop anxiety, Naomi’s words borrowed from Behan are the balm we all need. So, let’s learn a bit about who Behan was, and try to understand through his quotes why he asked us to concentrate on the little joys of life.

Who was Brendan Behan?Brendan Francis Aidan Behan was an Irish poet, short story writer, novelist, playwright, and Irish Republican, an activist who wrote in both English and Irish. Some of his famous works include his plays The Quare Fellow (1954), An Giall (The Hostage, 1958) and Borstal Boy (1958). Like Patrick, Behan too died young, at the age of 41. Here are a few of his quotes that gives us an insight into living our life for the simple joys of everyday life.

1. “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”Simple words but it strips life down to its most essential human needs: survival, comfort, and emotional security. Behan wanted to center life around simple, universal truths. Food and drink symbolize not just physical survival but also basic dignity and pleasure, while “somebody to love you” points to the deeper emotional nourishment humans crave. It’s a reminder that beneath all complexities, human beings are driven by the need to feel cared for and connected. In a fast-paced, success-driven world, this quote invites us to reconsider priorities and value what truly sustains us. It subtly critiques modern alienation, suggesting that fulfillment doesn’t come from material success or recognition, but from having our basic needs met and being loved in a genuine, uncomplicated way.

2. “At the innermost core of all loneliness is a deep and powerful yearning for union with one's lost self.”Over here, Behan reframes loneliness as something more internal than external. Instead of simply missing other people, he suggests that loneliness often arises from a disconnection within ourslves. The “lost self” refers to an authentic identity that gets buried under societal expectations, failures, compromises, or emotional wounds. He says no amount of external companionship can fully heal loneliness if a person is estranged from who they truly are. The “yearning for union” is a desire for self-reconciliation, a return to honesty, self-acceptance, and inner alignment. It’s a deeply introspective idea that challenges the notion that relationships alone can fix loneliness. He’s saying loneliness is not always pain but a signal urging all of us to rediscover and reconnect with our true selves.

3. “I respect kindness in human beings first of all, and kindness to animals. I don't respect the law; I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.”Behan draws a sharp distinction between moral values and institutional authority. He elevates kindness—especially toward the vulnerable, including animals—as the highest virtue, suggesting that empathy and compassion matter more than rigid adherence to rules. His irreverence for “the law” reflects skepticism toward societal systems that often prioritize control, conformity, or power over genuine human well-being. However, he does acknowledge practical aspects of society that improve everyday life, such as safety, comfort, and basic welfare. This nuance shows that his rebellion isn’t mindless; it’s rooted in a belief that systems should serve people, not work against them. Ultimately, he challenges readers to question blind obedience and instead judge actions and institutions based on how they affect real lives. It’s a call to prioritize humanity over bureaucracy, and compassion over compliance.



4. “The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.”This one reflects Behan's blunt, no-nonsense philosophy. It challenges the common human tendency to avoid difficulties through distraction, denial, or procrastination. He asks us to accept the fact that true escape comes from confronting a problem head-on. Because problems linger and grow when ignored, often creating more stress. His words also carry practical wisdom: solutions, not excuses, bring relief. In a broader sense, it speaks about emotional resilience, about learning to deal with life head-on rather than seeking easy outs. It’s another way of saying: the only real way out is through.

5. “No yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves today.”Here, Behen offers a redemptive view of the past. Regret often comes from feeling that time has been wasted or opportunities have been lost. He suggests that the value of the past depends on how we live in the present. If a person commits fully to today, then past mistakes or idle periods lose their weight. They become part of a larger journey rather than failures that weigh us down. The idea of “giving oneself today” simply means presence, effort, and authenticity. It’s about showing up with your whole self, without being paralyzed by regret. Behan encourages a forward-looking mindset where action matters more than reflection alone. In our world, this one particularly, feels like a catharsis. It tells us our stories are still being written, and we must fully concentrate on that.

6. “If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke.”Behan advocates for fearless, abundant expression of one’s abilities. He criticizes the tendency to hold back talent out of fear, perfectionism, or a desire to preserve it for the “right” moment. By comparing talent to wealth that should be spent lavishly, he encourages creative risk-taking and constant output. The idea is that talent grows through use, not conservation. Hoarding it leads to stagnation, while sharing it freely leads to discovery, evolution, and impact. There’s also an underlying rejection of scarcity thinking — the fear that one might run out of ideas or worth. Instead, he suggests that creativity thrives on boldness and excess. This quote is especially powerful for artists and creators. It urges them to embrace imperfection and momentum over hesitation.