Playwright Hugh Leonard dies aged 82

The award-winning playwright Hugh Leonard has died in Dublin at the age of 82.

Mr Leonard, who wrote a weekly column in the Sunday Independent, had been ill for some time.

He wrote several screenplays and adapted a number of books for the BBC and RTE, including James Plunkett's 'Strumpet City'.

In a statement today, the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, said he was sorry to learn of the playwright's passing.

He said Mr Leonard was one of Ireland's most distinguished playwrights and also a journalist of distinction.