The theatre world is today grieving the loss of one of Ireland’s best known playwrights, Brian Friel. He passed away earlier today at the age of 86.
Born in Killcogher, near Omagh in 1929, he studied in St Columb’s College, Derry. He became a teacher and moved to Donegal in 1967, three years after his first stage success, Philadelphia, Here I Come.
Friel was best known for his most sucessful play, Dancing at Lughnasa, which won three Tony Awards.
Tributes have been pouring in for the playwright.
President Michael D. Higgins said “His contribution to what one might call ‘the theatre of memory’ is an outstanding legacy. After Brian Friel’s work no one could offer amnesia as an alternative to history.”
The Taoiseach said “The nation and the world have lost one of the giants of theatre. The consummate Irish storyteller, his work spoke to each of us with humour, emotion and authenticity.”