University of Limerick Statement

University of Limerick on the Passing of Frank McCourt

20th July 2009

Statement

The University of Limerick was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of a dear friend, supporter and colleague, Dr Frank McCourt. Speaking on behalf of all at the University, Acting President Professor Paul McCutcheon said “Dr McCourt will be sorely missed by all of us at UL, he was a regular visitor who spoke and lectured here on a number of occasions, many of our students had the good fortune to interact with him as part of their studies. He was an avid supporter of this institution and we appreciated greatly the time he gave to promoting and ensuring our success. He made a significant contribution to English literature and was a cultural treasure of Limerick City. We would like to offer our condolences to Ellen and Frank’s family at this very sad time.”

Dr Frank McCourt was a long time friend of the University of Limerick. In 1997, UL had an opportunity to recognise Dr McCourt’s extraordinary contribution to literature by conferring on him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. He was a member of the UL Friends and was also greatly supportive of the work of the UL Foundation and a Director of their Board from April 2001 to May 2009. He became a UL Foundation Life Trustee in May of this year. Frank’s expertise in literature was shared with students and staff at UL in 1997 when he became a writer-in-residence under the aegis of the Glucksman Distinguished Visiting Writers Programme in 1997. He was also Chairman of the Paddy Clancy Memorial Scholarship Fund Ltd. Always eager to preserve the treasures of Limerick, the author helped the University to acquire The Leonard Collection, which encompasses literature, history, topography, politics and the social sciences, and represents the definitive collection of books, periodicals, paintings, prints and engravings on Limerick City and County. Consisting of over 4,000 items, the collection is considered to be exceptional in its quality and variety. The collection is housed in the UL Glucksman Library in a room named in the memory of Frank’s mother, Angela.

ENDS

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