Notable Limerick character Malachy McCourt dies aged 92

MALACHY McCourt, one of Limerick’s most notable characters, has died at the age of 92.

Malachy, who was born in Brooklyn and raised in Limerick, was the brother of Frank McCourt, who wrote Angela's Ashes, which centred around their upbringing in the city. 

According to the New York Times, his death was confirmed by his wife, Diana McCourt.

He was the last surviving of seven siblings.

Malachy had undertaken a lot in his 92 years - dabbling in acting, writing, campaigning, politics, broadcasting and even owned a popular New York City pub at one point.

He previously ran for New York Governor back in 2006, under the Green Party but lost out to the Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer.

Malachy left Limerick in 1952 at the age of 20 and returned to America. 

In 2023, Malachy told  RTÉ Radio One show that he was diagnosed, several years previously, with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) - a rare condition and a muscular disease where your muscles “waste away”.

He had more recently been diagnosed with cancer, which affected both his prostate and skin.

Malachy’s brother Frank won a Pulitzer Prize for his account of his childhood in Limerick called Angela’s Ashes, and Malachy himself had mentioned previously that life in Limerick was “quite miserable” growing up.

Dan Barry, a writer for The New York Times paid tribute to the late actor on the social media platform, X.

“The great Malachy McCourt, author, actor, raconteur, and fierce advocate of justice and equality, has died at 92. In his honour, live the hell out of your life. As he would say: ‘Sing it, children!’” Mr Barry 

He was the owner of Malachy's, a bar on Third Avenue in New York City. 

A frequent patron was actor, fellow Limerick man, and friend, Richard Harris, who reportedly worked for a short time behind the bar for McCourt.