Sir, – Alphie McCourt was admired and widely respected all throughout New York's Irish community, and among the city's writers and literary circles he was absolutely loved ("Writer Alphie McCourt dies aged 75", July 3rd).
A gentle, funny, courteous and witty man, he was a strong supporter of the University of Limerick’s inaugural Frank McCourt Creative Writing Summer School.
Indeed, he spoke at our “Tribute to Frank McCourt” in New York last weekend and brought the house down with the funny, heartfelt and moving speech he made with his brother Malachy.
Alphie, a gifted writer himself, will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. He was a gentleman, and a very kind and good-hearted person.
We send sincerest condolences to his family and close friends. – Yours, etc,
JOSEPH O’CONNOR,
Frank McCourt
Chair of
Creative Writing,
University of Limerick.