New York is in deep sadness due to the death of Malachy McCourt, a known figure in the Irish-American community, at the age of 92. He was best-known as an author, actor, bar owner, and legendary enjoyer of life. McCourt penned the renowned biography, A Monk Swimming, an electrifying companion piece to the outstanding memoir Angela’s Ashes, authored by Frank, his elder brother. His brother’s work garnered global attention upon its launch in 1996, bagging the Pulitzer prize for that year.
Born in Brooklyn in 1931, McCourt and his parents relocated back to Ireland when he was just a young child, owing to the economic depression taking place in New York. Being raised in Limerick in his early years, McCourt headed to England in search of employment before making a comeback to New York after his brother, a state schoolteacher there, paid for his journey. This marked a milestone in his life as he spent seventy years of his life making a reputation for himself as a key figure and chronicler in the New York literary and bohemian spheres, wrestling with mixed feelings of being the son of immigrants.
In a 1998 New York Times interview that coincided with his memoir becoming a best-seller, McCourt reflected on his upbringing in Limerick’s slums, acknowledging the feelings of worthlessness it induced and attributing his resentment to the defunct governments and churches. He highlighted the futility in dwelling over the past and firmly believed that grudges could have detrimental effects on one’s mental health.
In his prime, McCourt was a fiery redhead, known for his beard and infamous reputation as part of the Irish renegade crowd during the 60s and 70s. His occupations were varied, including pub ownership, acting on stage along with roles in notable films such as ‘Reversal of Fortune’ and ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’. He had a perfect fit portraying Henry VIII in a TV advert and was popular as a TV and radio presenter, showcasing his natural storytelling prowess.
McCourt gave up smoking and alcohol around the middle of the 80s, while maintaining his zest for life. He entered the political arena in 2006, making a bid for New York governorship based on a forward-thinking platform challenging the Iraq war and advocating environmental conservation.
His passing was not surprising due to his need for hospice support for a while. Remarkably, he showed immense perseverance to be discharged from hospice care in 2022. His departure signifies a distinct chapter’s closure in the story of Irish presence in New York, concluding an extraordinary and adventurous life.
Ted Smyth, a former Irish diplomat, paid tribute saying “A titan has passed away”, taking into consideration McCourt’s disdain for death euphemisms.
McCourt’s marital life encompassed two marriages, firstly to Linda Wachsman, followed by Diana Galin, his current wife. They shared their Upper West Side residence for 59 years. He leaves behind his wife, daughter Siobhán, sons Malachy, Conor, Cormac and stepdaughter Nina Galin.
Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Irish Ambassador to the US, eulogised McCourt as an excellent narrator of the Irish experience. His comrade, New York Times columnist and author Dan Barry, remembered him as an unwavering champion of equality and justice.
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