Pádraig Standún was born in Ballydavock, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, in 1946. He is a well-known writer, activist and priest. He is renowned for his novels but many of his plays have been staged as well. Stigmata was produced by Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe in 1996 and others have been performed on the amateur circuit in Belfast and London. His play Uisceinafhíon was shortlisted for Cló Iar-Chonnachta’s literary award in 2001.

Díbirt Dé (Cló Iar-Chonnachta, 2007) is his latest novel. Bob Quinn based his film Budawanny (1987) on the earlier novel Súil le Breith.

Pádraig has spent time as a priest in An Cheathrú Rua and on Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, and is now chaplain in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo.