Philomena Lynott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philomena Lynott
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Lynott in Dublin by her son Phil's statue in 2013
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| Born | 22 October 1930 Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 12 June 2019 (aged 88) |
| Occupation | Author, hotel manager |
| Children | 3, including Phil Lynott |
Philomena Lynott (born October 22, 1930 – died June 12, 2019) was an Irish writer and businesswoman. She was the mother of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Her book, My Boy, tells the story of their relationship. She owned the Clifton Grange Hotel in Manchester. Many bands, including Thin Lizzy, stayed there in the 1970s.
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Her Early Life and Family
Philomena Lynott was born in Dublin on October 22, 1930. She was the fourth of nine children. She grew up in the Crumlin area of the city. She left school at age 13 and worked in a home for older people.
In 1947, Philomena moved to England. There were many jobs available to help rebuild after World War II. She found work as a nurse in Manchester. Philomena had a son named Philip, who was born on August 20, 1949. She faced some difficulties because of this. She decided it would be best for Philip to be raised by her parents in Dublin. Philomena had two other children who were adopted. She stayed close to Philip throughout his life.
Running a Famous Hotel
In 1964, Philomena and Dennis Keeley started managing the Clifton Grange Hotel. This hotel was in Whalley Range, Manchester. They had no experience running a hotel. However, they bought the property after six months. They ran the hotel for the next 14 years.
The hotel became well known in northwest England. Many people from the entertainment world visited it. Philomena used special hotel rules. This meant the bar could stay open until 2 AM. Other places had to close earlier.
When Thin Lizzy became popular in the 1970s, they loved playing in Manchester. Philomena would let them stay at her hotel. She would also host after-show parties. Guitarist Brian Robertson remembered Philomena washing his hair. He said she was "like everyone's mum, rolled into one."
In December 1976, the Sex Pistols played in Manchester. They were on their Anarchy Tour. Philomena was the only hotel owner willing to let them stay.
Remembering Her Son
In 1980, Philomena and Dennis Keeley moved to Howth, County Dublin. Philip bought them a house there. They later moved to another house in Howth called Glen Corr.
Philomena was not with her son when he died. Philip passed away on January 4, 1986. She received a phone call telling her the sad news. Philomena felt very sad after her son's death. She found it hard to accept.
In the early 1990s, publishers asked Philomena to write her life story. She found it hard to write about her relationship with Philip. But she also found it rewarding. Her book, My Boy: The Philip Lynott Story, was published in 1995.
Philomena often went to rock concerts in Dublin. She continued to honor Philip's life. She was very important in getting a bronze statue of him made. The statue was placed in Dublin in 2005. She was also a special guest at events for Thin Lizzy fans.
In 2012, Philomena did not like Mitt Romney using Thin Lizzy's song "The Boys Are Back in Town." He used it during his election campaign. She told an Irish music magazine, Hot Press, that Philip would not have supported his views.
Philomena Lynott died on June 12, 2019. She had been ill with cancer for several years.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Philomena Lynott para niños
