THE success of Frank McCourt's first book is legendary. Now the film is about to add to the rising fortune of the man who has succeeded in giving his native city world-wide recognition. The argument as to whether that publicity is positive or negative continues but early indications are that the Alan Parker blockbuster, while accurate, depicts the Limerick of the 30s and 40s as a place of extreme poverty and squalor.

Over two years ago, Malachy McCourt first told me that his brother Frank had finalised the contract for the filming of the best-selling book. At that time he also promised that some of the film would be shot in Limerick with local people getting the opportunity to take part in what now promises to be one of the most successful movies of the coming year.

Limerick has not had its major share of big screen stars over the past few decades but that could now change with the emergence of a local schoolboy who plays a prominent role in Angela's Ashes, the movie. 15-year-old Peter Halpin is from Mungret in Limerick. A student of Crescent College Comprehensive he plays the part of a young Malachy McCourt in the film which was shown for the first time in this city on Wednesday in the Omniplex at the Crescent Shopping Centre. Peter, however, was not present.

"My mum and dad and my sister Sarah were invited with me to the cast screening in Dublin last week-end. It was a very moving experience for us all mostly when I appeared on the big screen. It was a weird experience seeing yourself part of such a big movie and when things settle down a bit I will go out to the Omniplex a couple of times and see it on my own.

"Because I had become so friendly with all the other young lads in the cast I found it very exciting to see them all in the film. It was a sad film and I think that my mum and my sister were crying at times. It was also very funny and overall I thought that it was better than I hoped it would be. I felt a bit nervous when it was just about to start and was a bit weak at the knees. When it was over I waited to see my name in the credits."

Peter does not appear until late in the film and is seen knocking down a wall in the McCourt's new home in Limerick. He has a talking part. Peter Halpin's rise to fame is interesting. He followed his sister Sarah (13) into the local Spotlight Stage School which is run jointly by Margaret Hough and Judy O'Connor. Peter took to the stage like the McCourts took to writing. Within a short time his talent as a singer and young actor had caught the attention of his mentors and small parts followed in both the Belltable and University Concert Hall festive pantomimes. A singing spot followed in RTE's Late Late Show toy special and the youngster was now firmly established locally as one of the brightest prospects around. Last autumn he played the Artful Dodger in his school's presentation of Oliver.

As is the norm, the producers of the Angela's Ashes film searched the local stage schools for promising talent to play the roles of the young McCourts. From 15,000 applicants, Peter Halpin was chosen as the older Malachy: "Ros Hubbard was brilliant. She was the lady from the film company who dealt with me. I read a few lines and had a video of myself taken in the first audition and got through to the second which was held at the Glentworth Hotel. I did something similar in the second audition but was very nervous when I realised that if I got through the third one I was really in with a chance. Alan Parker turned up for the fourth audition and this really made me nervous. I thought that I had blown it but about three weeks later we got the phone call to say I was chosen."

Peter travelled to both Dublin and Cork regularly last year for filming. Alan Parker, he said, was very helpful and very supportive of the youngsters: "My hair was dyed red for the role. I got a lot of slagging from my pals because it had to grow out. I missed a lot of classes at Crescent Comp but the teachers were very supportive. Ros Hubbard is one of the nicest women I have ever met. My grandad, whom I call Mikey, is my best friend. We get on great together."

Peter admits that he has never been an avid film-goer. He has a keen interest in law and attended a court hearing in the Four Courts recently as part of his transition year. Despite the heady weeks of filming last year, he successfully completed his Junior Certificate: "I have a lot of hobbies but would like the opportunity to another film. I felt sad when it was all over. I have a pony called Trigger. We don't compete in gymkhanas or shows or anything. We just ride off through the fields near my home. I might consider taking singing lessons to improve my voice. Being a bit famous won't change me but it's nice to be able to say that you had a role in a famous film - especially when the film is about Limerick."

There is an air of confidence about Peter Halpin that is noticeable. His answers are quick and his voice assertive hiding a shyness that is admirable. Son of well known business people, Mary and Denis, this teenager could soon be following in the steps of the legendary Richard Harris. At the moment, however, he is enjoying the moment. The resemblance between Peter and the a young Malachy McCourt is certainly recognisable. No doubt the talent is also.