Playwright Brian Friel has died at the age of 86.

The Northern Irish dramatist wrote more than 30 plays in his lifetime, but was best known for his multi award-winning play 'Philadelphia, Here I Come!' which is taught in schools.

Dancing at Lughnasa and Translations are among his other great works.

Friel was born in Killyclogher, Co. Tyrone in 1929 and studied at St. Patrick's College Maynooth and at St. Joseph's Training college in Belfast.

Seantor David Norris says he was one of the first people to review Philadelphia, Here I Come, when it was staged: