Explanation:

Frank finally earns enough money to take a boat to America when Mrs. Finucane, one of the clients he delivered mail to, died and he stole her money. His decision to move to America was not originally very well received from his family, however they later come to terms with his going away and throw him a going away party. When asked by the wireless officer, "Isn't this a great country" Frank responds, "tis."
*Quotations found on pages 362 and 363 in Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.