Kelly Lynch family host event
Campaign to establish truth around daughter's death
“KELLY had morals. She would have stood up for what is right, for justice, for truth. If she could, she would absolutely tell me to keep going.”
These are the words spoken to the Celt by Julieanne Lynch, the heartbroken mother of Kelly Lynch whose body was discovered by the Ulster Canal in Monaghan Town on St Patrick’s Day 2024.
Originally from Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, the mother of five now lives in Armagh with her other children and husband, Sean.
Julieanne was talking ahead of an event organised by her family to raise money to fund their campaign to establish the truth of what happened their daughter and sister the night she died.
On the first anniversary of her death on March 16 last, Gardaí renewed their appeal for information on the circumstances of her death, which her family believe was suspicious.
Her parents also fear the original investigation into their daughter’s death was flawed. Their concerns led now-retired Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to order to a review of the case.
That review is currently ongoing, and Gardaí urge anyone with information to come forward.
In their quest for truth and justice for their daughter, Kelly’s family have paid for a review of the original postmortem.
The Katie Trust
Now, they have the support of the Katie Trust, a new independent charity set up by a retired PSNI Detective James Brannigan following the death of Northern Irish showjumper Katie Simpson in 2020.
The PSNI originally treated Katie’s death in hospital six days after she was admitted as suicide. Later, a showjumping trainer, Jonathan Creswell, died in 2024 while on trial for Ms Simpson’s murder.
According to their website the Katie Trust is “an independent charitable organisation established to support families and friends who have lost a loved one in circumstances initially classified as suicide, accident, or disappearance but where concerns and unanswered questions later emerge”.
“We are the first case taken up by the Trust to go public with our campaign,” Julieanne Lynch told the Celt. “They have already been such an amazing support to us, putting us in contact with experts in various fields, providing us with the services of detectives, solicitors and other police officers.
“Jim Brannigan’s agenda is to bring Kelly’s case forward and to get answers to our many questions. The Trust is of the same belief as us, that Kelly’s case is a criminal one.”
Day for Kelly
Throughout their ordeal, Kelly’s mum, Julieanne, has consistently posted on social media her grief and pain, her questions and observations, and her appeal for any information which may help establish what happened her daughter.
To date, the family has managed to raise £16,000 but they hope to raise the remainder of their £20,000 target through a fundraising event to be held on what should’ve been Kelly’s 25th birthday this Sunday, September 7.
Julieanne says A Day for Kelly is an event about “love, music and community in memory of Kelly”.
The event kicks off at the Lisdoo Bar and Resturant, Dundalk and for a small entrance fee “anybody and everybody” is welcome to come along for a day’s entertainment for all ages.
For the children, there will be face-painting, a bouncy casle, petting farm and a candy bar.
From 7:30 until 9:30pm, adults can enjoy music by the Shakin’ Shillelaghs and guests as well as a moving performance by harpist, Niamh Moade.
Julieanne says she is so grateful to the many people who have donated “amazing” prizes for various raffles.
“Every ticket sold helps us in our campaign for justice for Kelly and supports other families who have been let down by the system.”
Julieanne thanked all of those who have supported the family so far.
“It’s like Kelly is not just our daughter, she is everyone’s daughter.”
A Day for Kelly will be in Lisdoo Bar & Restaurant, Dundalk with entry tickets priced at €15 for adults, €5 for children, while U5s go free.