Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, today (13 May 2008) welcomed the announcement of the 2008 Tony Award nominations which include four individual nominations for the play 'The Seafarer' written by Conor McPherson and an nomination for Sinéad Cusack for her role in the play 'Rock 'n' Roll', written by Tom Stoppard.

'The Seafarer', a dark story about two brothers playing host to the devil, and currently receiving its Irish premiere at the Abbey Theatre, has been nominated in the categories of Best Play; Best Direction of a Play' (for Conor McPherson) and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (for both Conleth Hill and Jim Norton).

Sinéad Cusack has received her nomination in the category Best Performance by a Featured Actress, in the production, 'Rock n' Roll which juxtaposes highlights of 20th century rock with the downfall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Minister Martin Cullen TD said: "These nominations are a testament to the quality of creative Irish writing, acting and directing talent. Once again Irish theatre practitioners are at the forefront in entertaining and thrilling world audiences. I congratulate all the nominees on their selection as part of this prestigious and celebrated competition and wish them well in the forthcoming awards ceremony on 15 June next."