Playwright Brian Friel joined the walk of fame outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin today.
A bronze plaque containing his handprints will be placed outside the theatre on South King Street honouring the celebrated former teacher who turned 80 this year.
He joins other famed musical and theatrical figures including singer Luciano Pavarotti, writer John B Keane and actors Niall Toibin and Milo O’Shea.
Friel, who is notoriously publicity shy, cast his hands in clay at a special ceremony at the theatre accompanied by his family. “I don’t know what the word is, exciting, it’s very interesting,” he said.
Friel is regarded as one of the country’s most important playwrights in terms of both dramatic achievement and the cultural significance of his works.
John Costigan, Gaiety managing director, helped the Co Tyrone writer press his fingers into clay as wife Anne, daughters Mary and Sally and granddaughter Meghan looked on.
During a career spanning around four decades, Friel achieved critical acclaim and worldwide success with a raft of plays including Philadelphia, Here I Come(1964), Aristocrats(1979), Translations(1980) and Dancing at Lughnasa(1990).
Born in Co Tyrone, he was educated at St Columb’s College in Derry.
He received UCD’s most prestigious honour - the Ulysses Medal - at a gala ceremony attended by poet Seamus Heaney in the university on Bloomsday, June 16th.
Mr Costigan, whose favourite play is Dancing at Lughnasa, said today's event was a significant day for the theatre. "Brian is a major Irish playwright. It is really good that we got this, I'm delighted to do it," he said. "It's our honour to have him."
A production of Philadelphia, Here I Comewill be staged at the Gaiety next year.
PA