February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Lynott’s mother Philomena and Lord Mayor of Dublin Catherine Byrne did the honors as fellow rockers, friends of the star and around 5,000 fans from Ireland and abroad looked on.
A roar went up from the crowd as the black veil covering the statue fell away, revealing a smirking Lynott, leaning on his guitar with collar upturned and sporting his trademark hoop earring.
“It is the proudest day in my life. For over 20 years I have been looking forward to it,” said Lynott’s mother Philomena, speaking to the crowd.
“I am happy with the statue, I love it. I love him forever and I will miss him forever. Life is awful without him but knowing all these people are loving him the way they do, they are like a big woolly cloak around me.”
Lynnott’s bandmate and former Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes was “devastated” not to be able to attend due to commitments in the U.S. but said he would be there “in spirit.”
The unveiling took place on the eve of Lynott’s 56th birthday, which was marked by a concert at the Point Theatre, with performances from Gary Moore, Brush Sheils, Wheatus and Therapy among others.
The R