Playwright Friel joins theatre's walk of fame

World renowned playwright Brian Friel joined the walk of fame at one of Dublin’s top theatres today.

A bronze plaque containing his handprints will be placed outside the Gaiety honouring the celebrated writer, a 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.

Mr 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.

Mr 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, Mr 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.

Mr Friel received UCD’s most prestigious honour – the Ulysses Medal – at a gala ceremony attended by poet Seamus Heaney in the university on Bloomsday, June 16.

Mr Costigan, whose favourite play is 'Dancing at Lughnasa', said the ceremony 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 Come' will be staged at the Gaiety next year.