I felt so happy I could barely stay in my skin

— Frank McCourt

If I have a cause, it's the cause of the teacher.

— Frank McCourt

I know that big people don't like questions from children. They can ask all the questions they like, How's school? Are you a good boy? Did you say your prayers? But if you ask them did they say their prayers you might be hit on the head.

— Frank McCourt

I think that's why you see so many Americans in Dublin look so sad: they are looking for the door through which they can begin to understand this place. I tell them, 'Go to the races.' I think it's the best place to start understanding the Irish.

— Frank McCourt

I think there's something about the Irish experience - that we had to have a sense of humor or die.

— Frank McCourt

Just let them sit in the goddam sun. But the world won't let them because there's nothing more dangerous than letting old farts sit in the sun. They might be thinking. Same thing with kids. Keep 'em busy or they might start thinking.

— Frank McCourt

Kids all want to look cool, as if knowledge is a great burden, but they're always looking around. They remember.

— Frank McCourt

Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain.

— Frank McCourt

Mam was always saying we had a simple diet: tea and bread, bread and tea, a liquid and a solid, a balanced diet - what more do you need? Nobody got fat.

— Frank McCourt

Nobody ever told them they had a right to an opinion.

— Frank McCourt