THE raging row over Angela's Ashes finally looks like being laid to rest. Controversy continued to flicker this week over the book, its sequel, 'Tis, and last Saturday's television confrontation between author Frank McCourt and his arch-critic, Gerry Hannan, but the heat was becoming less and less intense. If the protagonists were not pouring water on the flames, they were not fanning them either.

The conflagration reached its height on the Late Late Show. Hannan had been expected to provide fireworks during McCourt's appearance. Instead, however, he started something of a nuclear war.

The suddenness and ferocity of his attack visibly shook McCourt. But, surprisingly, it also seemed to surprise host Pat Kenny, who failed to take control from the start. This impression of ill-preparedness was confirmed later when it emerged that although RTE had invited Hannan to the show, they had not asked him what he was going to say.

Unfortunately, the hostilities strengthened false stereotypes of Limerick. Fortunately, however, so fierce was the confrontation that it proved cathartic. This week in Limerick, despite threats of litigation, the feeling on both sides appeared to have improved.

Hannan, having delivered his missile, seemed prepared to move on. McCourt, having eventually mounted a defence, did not wish to dwell on the incident. They would both be wise to let the matter end there: a continuation of the verbal brawling would do little for their respective reputations and nothing at all for Limerick.