The former director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, Mr Tony O Dalaigh, received a special tribute award. Presenting it to him, Ms Garry Hynes of Druid Theatre spoke of his "brilliant organisational skill" and "hard-nosed pragmatism". Ms Hynes said that for the first time the special tribute award was going to an arts manager, and this reflected the work Mr O Dalaigh had done for theatre. Ms Hynes listed the positions Mr O Dalaigh has held since becoming involved in theatre, including private secretary to four ministers, theatre board director, opera company founder and "an all-time and everywhere passionate theatre-goer". Mr O Dalaigh helped to define the role of the modern theatre manager. "He is the best of critics, the loyalest of supporters, the most engaging of company and a friend to all of us."
Mr O Dalaigh said he had presumed the award would be presented to a writer, actor or director. "It's very daunting to have to follow Tom Murphy, Brian Friel and Patrick Mason."
Mr O Dalaigh said that while working as a civil servant in the Department of Defence he began his work in the Damer theatre. It was at that stage one person noticed he was a better organiser than actor, he added. He had enjoyed his years working with the Dublin Theatre Festival and arts projects, which saw the setting up of successful theatre companies such as Red Kettle and Graffiti. One of the projects of which he was most proud was in Dublin's north inner city with writer and director Peter Sheridan, which lasted longer than scheduled and involved more people than it was expected to.
Mr O Dalaigh paid tribute to Mr Phelim Donlon, former drama officer at the Arts Council, who was retiring this year and whom he worked with in the last year. "I think we'd all like to acknowledge his diligence and his fantastic advocacy for theatre, and for venues at council table when that essential ingredient, money, is being dispensed," he said.
Mr O Dalaigh said he was at present involved in the new venue, Draiocht, in Blanchardstown and had great hopes for its future. "Under its director, Teerth Chungh, I believe it will make great impact on Irish theatre."