The Board of the Abbey Theatre has announced Fiach MacConghail as the new Director of the Abbey.
MacConghail will assume overall artistic and management responsibility for the theatre when he takes up his new position.
The current Artistic Director of the Abbey, Ben Barnes, is due to complete his term of office at the end of 2005.
The Director Designate will work in conjunction with Barnes and the Managing Director Brian Jackson during the transition period.
Eithne Healy, Chairperson of the Abbey, said: "We are delighted to announce Fiach's appointment, from a field that included a number of strong Irish and international candidates. We are convinced that Fiach has the artistic vision, experience, skills, personal qualities and commitment to lead the Theatre through a period of fundamental restructuring and renewal."
MacConghail worked previously as a theatre, film and arts producer. He served as Artistic Director to the Project Arts Centre from 1992 to 1999. He was also appointed Commissioner of the Cultural Programme for Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2004.
MacConghail is currently artistic advisor to the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, John O'Donoghue.
