DUBLIN.- A portrait of Brian Friel, renowned playwright and author, was unveiled yesterday (Friday 16 July) in the National Gallery of Ireland by Mary Hanafin, T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. The portrait, by Mick O’Dea RHA, was commissioned in 2009 by the Gallery’s Board of Governors and Guardians on the occasion of the playwright’s 80th birthday as part of the contemporary portrait series. Congratulating artist Mick O’Dea for his portraiture, Minister Mary Hanafin said: “Mick O’Dea has produced a thoughtful and sensitive portrait of Brian Friel, who is one of Ireland’s most prominent playwrights, theatre directors and authors. Brian has made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of the nation and his influence on current and the new generation of Irish writers is profound. His work has greatly enhanced the reputation of Ireland and Irish theatre. O’Dea’s portrait will now add to the wonderful coll