Mayor Declares 'Malachy McCourt Day' For NYC Irish Author, Actor

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Bill de Blasio gave New Yorkers another reason to celebrate Irish heritage on Wednesday by honoring actor, writer and radio host Malachy McCourt with an official proclamation.

The mayor declared March 17, 2021 "Malachy McCourt Day" in New York City in celebration of the Irish-American immigrant and New York "legend," known for his WBAI radio show and as the brother of Pulitzer-Prize winning author Frank McCourt.

"Malachy McCourt is someone who — if you know him, if you have heard him on the radio, if you have met him and heard his energy, his brilliance, his wit — you will not forget," the mayor said Wednesday.

McCourt, born in Brooklyn and raised in Limerick, Ireland, first made a name for himself in New York when he returned to the city at 20 years old and took on a number of jobs, including as a U.S. Air Force member, longshoreman, dishwasher and gold smuggler, according to the mayor.

The now-89-year-old is also known for opening Malachy's pub, the city's first singles bar, on Third Avenue.

He went on to act in theater, television and film, including a seven-year run on soap opera Ryan's Hope, and has written several Irish-themed books.

McCourt is the co-founder of the Irish American Writers and Artists Association and became active in politics, including a gubernatorial run in 2006.

"I am delighted to join with his beloved wife of 56 years, Diana, his five children, nine grandchildren and his many friends and fans in applauding this proud Irish New Yorker whose boundless creativity, generosity, resilience, and a sense of humor have left an indelible imprint on our great city, and who continues to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds," the proclamation reads.