Gabriel Byrne to Present IAW&A O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award, 10/17

Gabriel Byrne will present the IAW&A annual Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award to Irish Rep founders Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O'Reilly, in an evening of "literary libation," Monday. Oct. 17, 2011 at the Manhattan Club, upstairs at Rosie O'Grady's (800 7th Avenue and 52nd St., NYC), starting at 6 p.m.

Opening its doors in 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars, the "Irish Rep" has consistently pursued its mission to bring works of the highest quality by Irish and Irish American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences. Continuing the Irish Rep's current season will be the 20th Anniversary production of Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa, beginning previews October 20, directed by Ms. Moore and featuring Mr. O'Reilly.

Gabriel Byrne has a long association with Eugene O'Neill having won a Tony nomination for best actor in Moon For the Misbegotten and an Outer Circle Critics Award for his acclaimed performance in A Touch of the Poet.

Best selling author, actor, singer, raconteur and IAW&A Board member, Malachy McCourt will host a brief program that will include a short video send-up of the Irish Rep and its founders, narrated by Fritz Weaver.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will open the proceedings with the presentation of an official proclamation in honor of the Irish Repertory, its founders, and the Eugene O'Neill Award.

The celebration surrounding the O'Neill Award has a convivial, casual cocktail party atmosphere, with much conversation and mingling with guests both famous and infamous, live traditional Irish music, an extensive array of appetizers and desserts, and an open bar. The evening begins at 6 p.m and continues until 10 p.m.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended by ordering online at: www.i-am-wa.org or by mail to: Irish American Writers & Artists, Inc., 511 Avenue of the Americas #304, New York, NY 10011. ($75 admission for members, $150 for non-members includes membership).

Founded and operated as a non-profit organization, Irish American Writers & Artists, Inc. celebrates the achievements of Irish- American writers and artists, past and present, and works to highlight, energize and encourage Irish Americans working in the arts.

For more information about Irish American Writers and Artists, Inc, and to purchase tickets, please go to http://www.i-am-wa.org.