Sarah (nee Finn) Lynott : Short Biography

Sarah Finn aka Sarah Lynott (1899-19?) was the grandmother of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. Having raised him as her own in Crumlin from the age of 4, he wrote the song "Sarah" (from the album Shades of a Blue Orphanage) for her. 

In 1923, she married Frank Lynott (1897-1964) in St Nicholas of Myra on Francis Street and raised their family in the Liberties until 1934 (when they moved to 85 Leighlin Road, Crumlin). In 1947, when Sarah was 51, she had a 'late baby' – Peter Lynott. By that time, most of her children (including Philomena, age 17) had emigrated to Leeds, England. 

Their youngest daughter Philomena Lynott (1930-2019) was the mother of Phil Lynott (pictured above).

• In 1948, Philomena met Phil Lynott's father in Birmingham. Cecil Parris had emigrated from Georgetown, British Guiana in 1947 (He disembarked in England by accident, thinking he had arrived in New York). Philip Parris Lynott (1949-1986) was born in England and lived with his mother until the age of 4. 

• In 1953 Sarah (nee Finn) & Frank Lynott took Phil in and raised him while Philomena remained in England. Phil grew up in Crumlin with his uncle Peter (just two years older) as a brother.

PARENTS

Sarah Finn Lynott (1899) was the eldest daughter Elizabeth Usher (1872- ) & Timothy Finn Jr. (1868- ). Her father was a printer (stereotyper) and she grew up at a number of addresses in St Peters parish on Dublin's northside,

• In 1901 she was living at  Great Britain Street (now Parnell Street) age 2 (parish of St Marys)

• In 1911 she was living at St Ignatius Road age 13 (parish of St Marys)

• By 1923, she was residing at 9 Great Bride Street (parishes of St Peters & St Brides) when she married.

GRANDPARENTS

Sarah's father Timothy Finn Jr., (1868-) was the son of Dorah Cullen and Timothy Finn Sr (1822-1886).  They married in Fairview Dublin in 1894 (by that time both of their fathers were deceased). Timothy Finn Sr was living at 18 Connor St and worked as a labourer.

Sarah's mother, Eliza Usher was the daughter of stonecutter Peter Usher (1838-1881) and Eliza Craig (b.1843- ) and grew up in Glasnevin Village at 3 St Margaret's Parade. ​

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• Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy Lead Singer

• Frank Lynott: Short Biography

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