The Arts Council has sent its congratulations to Gabriel Byrne following the announcement that he is to be Ireland’s first Cultural Ambassador.
Speaking following the announcement, Arts Council Chairman, Pat Moylan said, "I am delighted that Gabriel Byrne has been appointed as our Cultural Ambassador - a role he has been carrying out on an informal basis for many years! I look forward to continuing to work closely with Gabriel, and I know that he will fly the flag for Ireland, and for Irish arts, as only he can.
"This appointment is a clear acknowledgement by the Irish Government that the arts will play a key role in our economic recovery, and I commend the Taoiseach for his foresight and vision."