In the final part of our Angela's Ashes special we revisit the day last May when the widow and brothers of Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt came to Limerick to unveil a bust in memory of the author. The bust is sited in front of the Leamy House Art School on Hartstonge Street and was commissioned by Limerick artist Una Heaton, a friend of the McCourt family. It was made by Co. Clare sculptor Seamus Connolly.
People from the worlds of arts, culture, education and politics gathered outside Leamy House to witness the eagerly anticipated unveiling, including TD Willie O'Dea and Celia Holman Lee. President of the University of Limerick Don Barry announced the creation of a Frank McCourt chair in creative writing.
Frank's widow Ellen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after Frank's death, told the crowd: "I cannot thank you all enough for this wonderful tribute to Frank. I can't think of a more fitting place to have this bust reside than his old school," noting that Frank's chosen profession was, after all, teaching. "It's nice to be here with his three brothers. My suspicion is it will be one of the last times if not the last time that we're all together in Limerick on such a happy occasion."