Friel, known for plays such as Dancing at Lughnasa and Philadelphia, Here I Come, died aged 86 following a long illness. Originally from Co Tyrone, his Field Day Theatre Company was seen as one of major artistic responses to the Troubles.
Councillor McDonough-Brown said Friel’s contributions to the literary canon were “both important and enduring”.
“Dancing at Lughnasa recently finished another amazing run at the Lyric Theatre in South Belfast, which reaffirmed Friel’s place in the literary history of our country. Through such works, he explored the universal themes of society, which meant he spoke to each of us.
“I was proud to support the recent inaugural Lughnasa International Friel Festival, which was funded by Belfast City Council, and was a perfect tribute to him. Although he will be sorely missed, his writings will live on and continue to be enjoyed by many.”