Acomplished director/playwright of the Dublin and New York stage turned filmmaker. Sheridan had eight plays produced including the highly regarded "Spike in the First World War" (1983). "My Left Foot" (1989), his feature debut, was based on the life of writer-painter Christy Brown who was challenged by cerebral palsy. Bolstered by Daniel Day-Lewis' Oscar-winning performance, the film earned international praise, resulting in a flood of offers from Hollywood for the neophyte director. Sheridan, however, chose to remain in Ireland where he wrote and directed "The Field" (1990). Featuring a
