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DUBLIN, Ireland - Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, star of the HBO series "In Treatment," has been appointed Ireland's ambassador for culture.
The honour, announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Brian Cowen, means the Dublin-born actor will work with the Culture Ireland agency to promote Irish artists, shows and festivals in the United States.
Cowen, who is meeting U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on St. Patrick's Day, says Byrne is already "one of Ireland's great ambassadors through his work in film and theatre."
The Irish government says the 59-year-old Byrne will advise Irish diplomatic staff about "creating a dynamic program of art, ideas, debate and reflection which helps to foster a renewed, forward-looking cultural relationship between Ireland and America."
