Malachy McCourt, whose wit and wisdom was freely exchanged with anyone and everyone for many decades, has died at the age of 92.
The Brooklyn-born actor, best selling author, raconteur, broadcaster and brother of the late Frank McCourt had been battling a range of maladies for several years.
And battling them with some success. Last year, and with much ballyhoo, Malachy was ejected from a hospice for, as he put it himself, refusing to die.
Malachy was one of seven children, three of whom died in childhood. Alongside brothers Frank, Michael and Alfie, and after the family had lived in Limerick, he forged a successful career on multiple fronts in the U.S.
In recent years, and despite growing physical limitations, Malachy, who at one point ran for the governorship of New York, co-founded the Irish American Writers and Artists.
He was also active in the St. Pat's For All Parade which recently marked its 25th anniversary.
There will be an expanded report on Malachy's passing in this week's St. Patrick's edition of the Echo.
