The Ferryman wins Best Play at the 2019 Tony Awards

The Ferryman, a play set in Northern Ireland, picked up the award for Best Play last night at the annual Tony Awards.

The Jez Butterwroth play follows a former IRA man and his family living in County Armagh during the height of The Troubles.

Butterworth accepted the gong at the ceremony in Radio City Musical Hall, New York last night and dedicated the award to families who lost loved ones during The Troubles.

Former Skyfall director Sam Mendes triumphed in the Best Direction of A Play category. Mendes was unable to make the ceremony but took to Twitter to express his gratitude.

A message from Sam Mendes, Tony Award winner for Best Direction:

"I have lost count of the times on this job that I’ve counted my lucky stars. And now, again, I’m left to reflect on what a privilege - what an absolute privilege it is - to be able to tell stories for a living.”

— The Ferryman on Broadway (@TheFerrymanBway) June 10, 2019

The play also picked up awards for Best Scenic Design and Best Costume Design and was nominated for nine awards in total. Actress and Belfast native Laura Donnelly lost out to Elaine May for Best Actress in A Leading Role.

The Ferryman made its debut at the Royal Court Theatre back in 2017, where it became the theatre's fastest-selling show. It made the move to Broadway last year in October and will play again for one night only this July 7.

The show has already been a roaring and critical success, winning three Oliver Awards for Best New Play, Best Director (Sam Mendes) and Best Actress (Laura Donnelly).

This year's Tony Awards were hosted by James Corden.

Folk musical Hadestown was the big winner of the night, achieving eight awards including Best Musical, Score and Featured Actress.

Holy boots! The @TheTonyAwards honored #TheFerryman with 4 #TonyAwards including BEST PLAY, Best Direction (Sam Mendes), Best Scenic Design (Rob Howell) and Best Costume Design (Rob Howell)! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oJyWutyU2O

— The Ferryman on Broadway (@TheFerrymanBway) June 10, 2019