Some of Frank’s ashes to be placed at Limerick school

AS two books of condolence opened in Limerick yesterday for the late Frank McCourt, it was confirmed some of his ashes will be brought back and placed at the Old Leamy’s School in Harstonge Street which he attended as a child.

One of the books is available at the former school site.

The Mayor of Limerick, Councillor Kevin Kiely, who called for some of the author’s ashes to be returned to the city, was the first to sign a book of condolence opened at City Hall.

The book of condolence at the Old Leamy’s School building was opened by artist Una Heaton who has a studio and art gallery there.

The author’s remains were cremated on Monday and a public celebration of his life is planned for the Symphony Space, on Broadway, in September.

Some of the ashes will be buried in Roxbury, Connecticut, where Frank McCourt lived with his wife, Ellen.

Frank’s brother Malachy, 77, said yesterday he intends to keep a portion of the ashes and bring them to Leamy’s School building later in the year.

Malachy said: “I want to bring some of his ashes to Leamy’s school – that’s my intention. The old structure of Leamy’s on Harstonge Street is still there and I think it would move him mightily if we performed some type of guerrilla movement and moves some of his ashes in there. He would be laughing mightily.”

After Leamy’s School closed, it was acquired in 1952 by Jack Heaton who opened up the Crescent Clothing manufacturing business there. It is now owned by John Heaton, husband of artist Una Heaton.

She said: “It would be wonderful to have some of Frank’s ashes placed here as his spirit is here already. We would welcome Frank’s ashes and we are working with Shannon Development to get sets from the film placed in two rooms in the building as it is part of the Angela’s Ashes Walk conducted by Michael O’Donnell.” Former US president Bill Clinton personally contacted Malachy McCourt to convey his sympathy. He shared the same birthday as Frank McCourt, and since his days in White House they exchanged birthday cards.