Tributes have been paid from the worlds of literature, arts and politics to Irish American author Frank McCourt, who has died in New York.
McCourt, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Angela's Ashes, a grim account of his childhood in Limerick and Brooklyn, died yesterday. He was 78.
Minister for Arts Martin Cullen said he was very sorry to hear of McCourt's passing.
"As a teacher in New York he instilled and encouraged a love of literature and creative writing in his students and as a writer himself, he was a master storyteller. He overcame adversity and misfortune at a young age to find his place in the world and in that process inspired many, many people, - students, friends and readers alike. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace."
Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg recalled an encounter with McCourt two years ago, when both were speaking at Adrian Flannelly's annual St Patrick's Day party and radio show.
He recalled that McCourt said: 'New York is such a lovely city. I was born here, and I’d like to die here too - in about 30 years.'
"Sadly, we lost Frank today [Sunday], far too soon. Frank arrived in New York from Limerick with nothing and - like so many Irish immigrants before him - worked to build a better life here.
"He shared his gift for teaching with thousands of New York City public school children, and when he retired, he shared his gift for storytelling with the world. Frank’s love for his students was matched only by the respect he had for his fellow teachers, and his success as a writer reflects the incredible talent that is found at the front of public school classrooms throughout the city.
Mr Bloomberg said that of the great New York writers, few had captured the hearts of readers, and the heart of the city, as well as McCourt.
"Tonight, on behalf of the city he loved, I want to extend my deepest sympathies Frank’s wife Ellen, his daughter Maggie, his brothers, and all his other loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea also expressed his sadness at the death of Mr McCourt.
"Frank immortalised a part of Limerick city where I now live. His talents as a writer and modesty as a man will be forever remembered by the people of Limerick. He put Limerick on the map throughout the world in 1996 with Angela's Ashesand tourists still flock to see the many landmarks and streets he so brilliantly depicted," the Limerick TD said.
"It is a very different city now to the one Frank described so vividly. Frank deserved the many awards and praise he received as an outstanding writer, and I know he will live long in the memories of the people of Limerick. I offer my sincere sympathy to his wife Ellen, daughter Maggie and brother Malachy," Mr O'Dea added.
Fine Gael's arts spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said McCourt's life and his work would continue to inspire many all around the world.
She said the "masterpiece" Angela's Ashes, had "shone a light into the dark recesses of Ireland's past".
"But it was Frank's ability to overcome such adversity that will continue to inspire thousands all around the world."
Limerick East Labour Party TD Jan O'Sullivan said McCourt's passing was "an event of great sadness".
"Frank did no small service to Limerick and his portrayal of the city in Angela's Ashesshone 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," she said.
Mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the death of "one of Limerick's most successful and talented sons".
"For a boy coming from such an impoverished background to enjoy such a glowing international literary career and win the Pulitzer Prize is remarkable."
Mr Kiely said Angela's Ashes and the subsequent movie had thrust Limerick into the world spotlight and brought a tourism boost to the city.
McCourt is survived by his wife Ellen, daughter Maggie and brother Malachy.