More than 200 mourners attended the send off, which took place just two days after the Dancing at Lughnasa writer died at his home in County Donegal, aged 86.

Friel was buried in Glenties, County Donegal, where his mother was born.

Poet Tom Paulin and playwright Thomas Kilroy were also among the literary celebrities spotted graveside at the funeral.

Friel co-founded the Field Day Theatre Company with The Crying Game star Rea.