Over 150 people gathered for 'Scribes At The Rock' - an annual gathering of select authors and playwrights as part of the Féile an Phobail festival - in Belfast on Thursday to hear Philomena Lynott speak.

In an emotional performance that brought the gathered crowd to tears, Philomena spoke from the heart and created one of the highlights of the festival.

"The atmosphere was just incredible," says Féile an Phobail organiser Danny Morrison. "She had people crying and laughing within seconds of each other. People were so impressed. She's such a lady. That was the common term people used. The woman just gushes with dignity and honesty and courage as well."

Following her speech, Philomena was on hand to sign copies of My Boy - The True Story of Philip Lynott and The Family He Never Knew for appreciative fans of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott and literature alike.

"Everybody was raving afterwards," adds Danny. "Our office got phone calls the next morning from people thanking us for having Philomena speak, which is unusual because usually even satisfied customers don't call you up to tell you how satisfied they are! She just blew them away. People could have listened to her all night."

Photo by Andy McDonagh