Malachy McCourt, pictured here in 2019.Getty Images
Malachy McCourt, the Brooklyn-born, Limerick-raised writer, was honored with a street renaming in New York City on Saturday, September 27.
The unveiling event was cheekily dubbed 'The Hanging of Malachy McCourt' by organizers, which included the popular Irish American's family and friends.
"Malachy McCourt Lane" was unveiled at the northeast corner of 93rd Street and West End Avenue, near to where McCourt raised his family after returning to New York City from Ireland, where he was raised from the time he was a toddler.
The New York City Council approved the renaming of the spot in July 2025, the year after the Irish American actor, author, advocate, and all-around raconteur passed away in March 2024 at the age of 92.
(Photo courtesy Brendan Fay)
McCourt's long-time pal, radio host John McDonagh, and his daughter, Siobhán McCourt, hosted and emceed the unveiling that featured several speakers warmly recalling the Irish American's impact.
"It's appropriate that it's not Malachy McCourt 'Street,' 'Boulevard,' or 'Avenue,'" McDonagh told The Irish Times ahead of the unveiling.
"It's 'Lane.' New York doesn't have lanes, but Limerick does."
September 27, 2025: John McDonagh speaking at the unveiling of Malachy McCourt Lane. (Photo courtesy Brendan Fay)
The unveiling kicked off with a theatrical flair - complete with a bagpiper and horse-drawn carriage - befitting of the late McCourt, who appeared in film, stage, and television productions, authored two memoirs, opened a pub in NYC, and even mounted a long-shot campaign to become governor of New York in 2006.
September 27, 2025: The opening of the unveiling of Malachy McCourt Lane. (Photo courtesy of Brendan Fay)
New York City Council Member Gale Brewer spoke of her close friendship with McCourt and her joy in steering the street co-naming legislation through the City Council.
Irish American actress Kate Mulgrew also addressed the gathering, remarking on the great legacy that McCourt left behind.
George Heslin, Executive Director of the New York Irish Center in Long Island City and a fellow Limerick man, told the crowd that McCourt was an "extraordinary man," as well as a "peacemaker, a friend to us all."
Lisa Engesser, current President of the Irish American Writers & Artists group, which was co-founded by McCourt in 2008, vowed to continue McCourt's legacy of "giving the new generations a chance to express themselves through their art."
At the end of the ceremony, a poignant moment unfolded when McCourt's family and friends joined in a rendition of "Wild Mountain Thyme," led by Mary Courtney.