Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, has given the University of Limerick Foundation €150,000 for the purchase of The Leonard Collection, in memory of his mother.
The collection is the work of Father John Leonard, who spent 33 years gathering books, periodicals, paintings, prints and engravings on Limerick city and county. It contains over 4,000 items.
University president Dr Roger Downer said: "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."
Frank McCourt said he "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."
He said he was delighted to hear the university would house the collection if someone would put up "a few dollars".
He said he "saved my pennies and, in my mother's name, hoped to donate Father Leonard's magnificent collection to the university".