Frank McCourt's Literary Limerick

Following the 25th anniversary of the University of Limerick it was decided to set up a special collections section in the University Library. This was deemed to be a meaningful way of demonstrating the commitment of the University to scholarship and in particular, the important position of the University in the life of the region.

A collection became available relating to Limerick City and County. It had been built up over a period of some 33 years by Father John Leonard and was so considerable in its range and diversity that it would not be possible for such a collection ever to be replicated. The initial objective of Father Leonard was to collect an example of the work of every Limerick author although this was soon broadened to include any publication on or about Limerick and its people. It consisted of over 4,000 items and whilst it is principally a book collection it also contained periodicals, paintings, prints and engravings. Indeed it contains so many rare and scarce publications that it is almost invidious to highlight a few individual items.

It was only through the provision of philanthropic support that this collection can be made available for scholarship. Internationally renowned author Frank McCourt stepped up to the challenge with a substantial gift to acquire this collection for the university and the people of Limerick.

On a shelf there is a modest collection of books on Limerick. The jewel here - because it was the first - is Maurice Lenihan's History of Limerick which I bought eons ago in Dublin. The book opened up the city's past, made me realize I'd grown up in historical magnificence.

Next to Lenihan is Jim Kemmy, his Limerick Compendium and his Limerick Anthology. Jim was "Mr. Limerick." He loved the city, the history and, above all, the people. To walk the streets with him was like walking with St. Francis of Assisi. He had a word for everyone and would empty his pockets for anyone. Besides being a politician of the most radical and honest kind he was a scholar, a poet, an essayist, an anthologist - and a moral warrior.

Next to the Kemmy books there is Sean Spellisky's treasure trove, The History of Limerick City. A book like this should be on the desk of every child in secondary school, it is that rich, that informative. And a valuable twin for that book is Remembering Limerick, edited by David Cole.

Here is Last Word by the Listener: Seamus O'Cinneidi's Journalism and Local History, selected and edited by Eoin Devereux of the University of Limerick. This book, a mere one hundred and seven pages, is a gold mine for those who want to enjoy O'Cinneidi's wit and scholarship, his tremendous honesty.

Then there's On the Counterscarp: Limerick Writing, 1961-1991, edited by Anthony O'Brien, Ciaran O'Driscoll, Jo Slade, Mark Whelan, with an introduction by Michael Hartnett who is surely harping in heaven or lowering a pint in the other place. What a treat it is late at night to be able to reach for Desmond O'Grady who bestrides the Shannon, the Tiber, the Cambridge, or that comic genius, Michael Curtin. (I have all Michael's novels and, yes, Michael, I've read 'em and laughed out loud at 2a.m.)

God's plenty - but not enough. I heard that Father John Leonard wanted to dispose of his enormous collection of materials on, by, about Limerick - and I wanted to fly over, pack the lot in boxes and take the lot home with me. But, no. There's the dynamic University of Limerick offering the house every last scrap if someone would put up a few dollars for the acquisition.

So, I've saved my pennies and, in my mother's name, hope to donate Father Leonard's magnificent collection to the University. Anyone from any walk of life, from any calling, will be able to browse through this material while Angela McCourt smiles on the city she loved so well. (She was born in Pump Lane, off Carey's Road, and never forgot it.)

We'll be gone and forgotten, Mam, but your name will surely resonate in young minds - all minds - as they leaf through the pages of the great Father Leonard collection.

We'll remember Father Leonard, too. He has done God's work.

This article first appeared in Connect -Summer 2003 issue