A long-time pal of Phil Lynott has paid tribute his mum Philomena saying she was a formidable woman who "didn't hold no punches".
The mother of one of Ireland's most beloved rock starts lost her battle with cancer this morning at the age of 88.
Smiley Bolger was one of Phil's best friends and organises the annual Vibe for Philo gig every year on the anniversary of his death.
He told Dublin Live his relationship with Philomena was "like a love affair" due to her feisty nature.
He said: "We had many a barney. It was like a love affair. She didn't hold no punches.
"If something was going on or whatever you'd hear about it. She'd be eating the head off you like she was your own mother."
He added that his dear friend was "spiritually and mentally" prepared for death.
Philomena bravely fought lung cancer in 2015 but it returned in 2017.
She made the decision not to have any further chemotherapy treatment.
"I told the doctor and she said she admired me for that," she told the irish Sun at the time.
"If I start having chemotherapy I would come back home and curl up in the bed and be cranky. I don't want to leave this planet in that situation."
In spite of her illness, Philomena continued to make public appearances and promote her famous son's legacy.
Smiley stayed in regular contact with her as her health declined.
"This year was the first year that she didn't make it to the Vibe in January but we definitely had a drink on her birthday," he said.
The Crumlin woman is survived by her sisters Betty and Irene, her brother Peter and nephew Graham.
Her funeral details have not yet been announced.
