Book of condolences to be opened for Frank McCourt

A book of condolences is being opened at Limerick City Hall today for author Frank McCourt, who died in New York on Sunday following a battle with skin cancer.

The 78-year-old is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir 'Angela's Ashes', which recounted a childhood of extreme poverty in 1930s Limerick.

The book caused controversy, with some residents claiming it painted an unfairly bleak picture of the city.

However, Arts Minister Martin Cullen has described it as a compelling and inspirational piece of writing.