Frank McCourt, the Irish American author who brought both fame and disdain to the city with his 1996 best-selling novel Angela’s Ashes, has vindicated the modern city saying that Limerick has ‘risen from the ashes’.

The author, who grew up in Limerick, is one of the board of patrons of the Meet Limerick Shannon bureau, which aims to build on the reputation of Limerick and Clare as a destination for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and sporting events.

"Limerick has risen from the ashes to become a thriving, energetic and dynamic city. ‘Meet Limerick Shannon’ is representative of that dynamism and energy,” he said of the city and of the bureau.

McCourt is amongst six famous faces, also patrons of the board, who this week lavished the Limerick/Shannon region with glowing endorsements.

Other celebrities singing the region’s praises were Ryanair CEO, Micheal O’Leary; Terry Wogan, a native of Limerick, to name but a few.

Michael O’Leary added his plaudits to the area saying, "I urge you to come see the spiritual home of Irish rugby, the home of smutty poetry and the region with some of the best golf clubs, best pubs and best people in the world.

If Ryanair’s low fares don’t bring you back, I am certain that the warm welcome you’ll get from the people of Limerick and Shannon will”.

The endorsements also include glowing words from Limerick native Terry Wogan who has often cited his pride in his home county; "‘Passionate people move mountains where missionaries can only preach.

Meet Limerick Shannon has that passion and vision to put the mid west on the world map as an international venue for meetings and sports events. Share that passion”.