Brian Merriman was an Irish poet born in 1747 in County Clare, Ireland. He is best known for his satirical poem, “The Midnight Court,” which critiques social norms and explores themes of love and gender. Merriman's work is significant in the context of Irish literature, reflecting the cultural and political climate of his time. Merriman was also a schoolteacher and a member of the Irish Catholic community. His poetry often highlighted the struggles of the common people and the injustices they faced. He passed away in 1805, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Irish literature today.