FROM THE ARCHIVES:Phil Lynott collapsed at his home in London on Christmas Day in 1985 and died in hospital of pneumonia and other complications on January 4th. This is the report of his funeral which took place in Sutton, Dublin. – JOE JOYCE
THE CHURCH of the Assumption in Howth, Co Dublin, was packed to overflowing for the funeral Mass for the man described as the father of Irish rock, Phil Lynott, who died in an English hospital a week earlier aged 35.
The mourners were led by his wife, Caroline, his two daughters, Sarah and Cathleen, and his mother, Mrs Phyllis Lynott. There was a large gathering of musicians, business acquaintances, friends and fans, all of who braved a bitter wind to pay tribute to the man who helped put Ireland on the rock-and-roll map. The Fianna Fáil leader, Mr Haughey, also attended along with his daughter, Eimear.
In his homily the Rev Brian D’Arcy said that Lynott’s death would not destroy the memories of him or his music. Father D’Arcy recalled how the Crumlin-born star had paved the way for the success of other Irish acts like U2 and the Boomtown Rats. Bono and Bob Geldof – both of whom were present – would acknowledge the help received from Lynott.
The lessons were read by the musician’s uncle, Mr Peter Lynott, and his father-in-law, Mr Leslie Crowther, the TV presenter. Mr Crowther’s reading from Romans included an obvious reference to some of the more odious publicity over the last week: “You should never pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt, as some of you have done.”
A local traditional group, Clann Eadair, whom Phil Lynott had helped, played throughout the Mass. Their piper, Leo Rickard, played a final lament at the graveside in St Fintan’s Cemetery.
The large attendance included Phil Lynott’s long-time friend and colleague, Brian Downey, and the former Thin Lizzy guitarists, Scott Gorham and John Sykes. Former manager, Mr Ted Carroll, and former road manager, Mr Frank Murray, were also there, as were other members of Thin Lizzy’s management team in the past, Chris Morrison, Chris O’Donnell and John Salter.
The artist, Jim Fitzpatrick, who designed many of the band’s record covers, was also among the mourners. Apart from Bono, the U2 drummer, Larry Mullen, the band’s manager, Paul McGuinness, and other members of the U2 crew also attended.
Máire Ní Bhraonáin of Clannad; Philip Chevron and Terry Woods from The Pogues; Paul Brady, Eamon Corr, Brush Shields, and many other leading musicians were also there. The film-maker and former member of Dr Strangely Strange, Tim Booth, also attended.
The music industry was represented by Mr John Woods of Polygram and staff of other record companies. Music industry accountant, Mr Ossie Kilkenny, also attended as did Mr Denis Desmond and Mr Eamon McCann of MCD Promotions, who staged many of Thin Lizzy’s and Phil Lynott’s concerts.
http://url.ie/dvgg