Roddy Doyle was born in Dublin in 1958. He attended St. Fintan's Christian Brothers School in Sutton and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from University College Dublin. He worked for fourteen years as an English and Geography teacher in North Dublin. Since 1993, he has been a full-time writer.
His notable works include:
- Novels: The Commitments (1987), The Snapper (1990), The Van (1991, shortlisted for the Booker Prize), Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha (1993, winner of the Booker Prize), The Woman Who Walked Into Doors (1996), A Star Called Henry (1999).
- Drama: War (1989) and The Family (written for television).
He has also written film scripts based on his novels, including The Commitments, The Snapper, and The Van. He lives in Dublin.