Peter McDermott of the Irish Echo reports that around 300 people — some who came from as far as Maine — gathered at the Heritage Bar and Restaurant in Yonkers, New York to celebrate the life and work of Irish rock legend Phil Lynott on January 3, the eve of 24th anniversary of his death — and in the process managed to raise $3,000 for charity.

"We do it to keep the flag flying for Philo," said John Fitzmaurice, a bartender at the McLean Avenue establishment.

"We usually pick a local charity or anyone who needs help. We did it for the Aisling Center for a couple of years," said Fitzmaurice, who hails from Glenamaddy, Co. Galway.

This year Ardee, Co. Louth, native Shane Gorman, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November 2007, asked for donations at the door at this year's event. Gorman, who has been raising awareness about the condition in the Irish community, will donate the check to an MS charity.

Irish Echo