Brian Friel, one of Ireland’s best known playwrights, has died aged 86.

The Co Tyrone-born writer was best known for his plays Dancing at Lughnasa and Philadelphia, Here I Come.

He penned over 30 plays and Dancing at Lughnasa won three Tony Awards in 1992.

Born in January 1929, Friel was educated in St Columb’s College, Derry.

Friel died peacefully at his home in Greencastle, Co Donegal, early this morning after a long illness. His wife and his surviving daughters were with him. He will be laid to rest in Glenties on Sunday.

President leads tributes to the late Brian Friel http://t.co/tQ2sx0xwcn pic.twitter.com/j1eZyuDEGO — RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 2, 2015

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