Pulitzer prize-winning author Frank McCourt returned to his native Limerick yesterday to unveil a collection of rare books bought in memory of his mother.
The Angela's Ashes author was joined by his brothers Malachy and Michael in presenting the Leonard Collection to staff at the University of Limerick.
McCourt recently donated €150,000 to the university to acquire the collection, which will be dedicated to his late mother, Angela.
Angela McCourt was the central character in the Limerick author's award-winning novel which won him the Pulitzer prize for non-fiction in 1997. The literary collection - compiled over nearly four decades by Father John Leonard - includes books, periodicals, prints and engravings about various aspects of Limerick.
"When I heard that Father John Leonard wanted to dispose of his enormous collection of materials, I wanted to fly over, pack the lot in boxes and take the lot home with me," said Frank McCourt. He said he was delighted to hear the university would give the collection a permanent home if someone put up "a few dollars".
"I saved my pennies and, in my mother's name, hoped to donate Father Leonard's magnificent collection to the university".
The president of the University of Limerick, Dr Roger Downer, described the Leonard collection as exceptional in its quality and variety.
"Seldom, if ever, has a community had its authors and its history collected together so comprehensively, and the historical and literary importance of the collection will add greatly to the university's library."
The Leonard Collection was secured through the University of Limerick Foundation which has had great success in recent years in securing major donations for the college.
Earlier this year, businessman Mr J.P. McManus was revealed as the "mystery benefactor" behind a €5 million donation to the university's new business school.
The donation was made on condition that the business school would be named after the late Limerick Labour TD, Mr Jim Kemmy.