A local Limerick artist has organized a commemorative bronze bust of author Frank McCourt, which will be unveiled at a ceremony outside his old school in the Treaty City on May 13.

Una Heaton, who also runs an art studio at Leamy’s on Hartstonge Street in the city, is behind the project.

“I wanted to do something to honor Frank because he's a great Limerick man, and I'm delighted to be a part of this," said Heaton.

McCourt passed away on July 16, 2009.  He had been battling melanoma and then became gravely ill with meningitis.

McCourt’s widow, Ellen, will attend the ceremony, as will brothers Malachy, Alphie and Michael.

West Clare sculptor Seamus Connolly made the bust.  Connolly has also sculpted statues of another of Limerick’s most famous sons, actor Richard Harris, and one of Ireland’s greatest storytellers, author John B. Keane.

Using photos of the "Angela's Ashes" author, Connolly completed the sculpture in six weeks.