Jan O Sullivan "backs Gerry Hannan's claim that Frank McCourt and Jim Kemmy were close friends"

O’Sullivan pays tribute to Frank McCourt
Issued : Monday 20 July, 2009

Jan O'Sullivan TD Statement by Jan O'Sullivan TD
Spokesperson on Health

I would like to extend by sympathies to Frank McCourt’s widow Ellen, to his family and to his friends on the occasion of his death yesterday.

Frank did no small service to Limerick and his portrayal of the city in Angela’s Ashes shone a light on the grinding poverty and hardship that existed during his childhood.

Despite the experiences of his upbringing, Frank always retained a deep affection for Limerick, and returned to the city on a frequent basis.

Jim Kemmy TD, my Labour Party predecessor in Limerick, was a close friend of Frank’s, and actually launched Angela’s Ashes in Limerick. I had the privilege myself of meeting Frank when he was presented with an honorary doctorate by University of Limerick in 1997.

The passing of Frank McCourt is an event of great sadness. Ni bheid a leithead aris ann.